WASHINGTON, April 1: US President Donald Trump said the military could end its Iran offensive within two to three weeks and plans to shift responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz to countries dependent on it.
He criticized allies for not doing more, urging them to “get your own oil,” while alternating between diplomatic optimism and threats to escalate the war.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed indirect messages from US envoy Steve Witkoff but ruled out meaningful talks, saying trust is “at zero.”
Global tensions are rising as the conflict disrupts oil flows—about 20% of the world’s supply passes through the Strait—pushing US gas prices above $4 per gallon.
The humanitarian toll is increasing: an Iranian Red Crescent volunteer was killed in an airstrike, and civilian casualties were reported in Israel, Lebanon, and the UAE.
Drone and missile attacks have spread across the region, hitting Iraq, Israel, and Gulf states.
Iran’s supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei pledged continued support for anti-Israeli forces, while Israeli operations intensified in Lebanon, displacing over a million people.
Meanwhile, Russia condemned strikes damaging civilian and religious sites in Tehran.
Countries worldwide are responding to the crisis. South Korea is restricting fuel use, Australia is urging public transport, and the UK reaffirmed commitment to NATO after Trump’s criticism.
The widening conflict is straining global energy markets, increasing economic pressure, and raising fears of further escalation across the Middle East.
Trump says Iran wants a truce
US President Donald Trump said he may wind down the war within two to three weeks and claimed Iran’s president is seeking a ceasefire.
However, Iran has not responded, and it remains unclear who Trump was referring to, as leadership in Tehran has not changed. Trump indicated the US could exit the conflict once it is confident Iran cannot develop nuclear weapons—even without a formal agreement.
This raises concerns that Iran could continue regional attacks or maintain control over the Strait of Hormuz without guarantees. Iran Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei on Wednesday called US President Donald Trump’s remarks on Tehran allegedly asking for a ceasefire ‘false and baseless’.
Also, Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard separately issued a statement saying the Strait of Hormuz “is firmly and decisively under the control” of its forces.
“This strait will not be opened to the enemies of this nation through the ridiculous spectacle by the president of the United States,” it added.
Rising regional violence
Iran intensified attacks across the Gulf, striking an oil tanker near Qatar and targeting infrastructure in Kuwait and the UAE.
Missile and drone attacks were also reported in Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel, with some intercepted.
Meanwhile, airstrikes hit Tehran, including the former US Embassy compound. Israel also targeted sites in Iran, including a facility it claims is linked to fentanyl production.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed civilians as fighting with Hezbollah escalates, worsening a humanitarian crisis with over a million displaced.
Oil disruption and economic iimpact
The Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of global oil passes—remains a central flashpoint. Iran’s actions have disrupted shipping and driven oil prices up 40%, with Brent crude surpassing $103 per barrel.
The surge is increasing global fuel and food costs, with longer-term economic consequences expected even if the strait reopens soon.
Uncertain diplomacy and military strategy
Diplomatic efforts remain stalled. Iran, represented by Abbas Araghchi, has rejected U.S. pressure and expressed zero trust in negotiations, despite indirect communication with envoy Steve Witkoff.
While the US has proposed a ceasefire plan, Iran insists on maintaining sovereignty over the strait. Meanwhile, additional US troops are deploying to the region, and the risk of further escalation remains high. (AP)
