Iran War: Trump Says US Will ‘Finish the Job’

President Donald Trump declared that the United States is on the verge of achieving its main goals in the conflict with Iran, emphasizing that “core strategic objectives” are close to being fulfilled. The leader also called on other nations to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for global oil trade.

On Wednesday, April 1, 2026, markets reacted sharply to Trump’s remarks. Oil prices spiked over 4%, with Brent crude, the global benchmark, surging 5% to $106.22 (€92) per barrel, while U.S. crude climbed 4.2% to $104.36 a barrel. Asian stock indices faced declines, as the Nikkei 225 in Tokyo dropped 1.4% to 53,004.81. South Korea’s Kospi fell 3.4% to 5,292.36, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lost 0.8% to 25,082.59. Meanwhile, U.S. and European stock futures dipped by 1% and more than 1.5% respectively.

“I’m pleased to say these core strategic objectives are nearing completion,” Trump stated. He added that the U.S. would continue targeting Iran’s infrastructure, aiming to “finish the job very fast” within the next two to three weeks.

The war has triggered a surge in fuel costs, with U.S. gasoline prices hitting $4 per gallon—a level not seen since 2022. This increase has also strained economies globally, such as the Philippines, which recently declared a national energy emergency. The European Union echoed similar concerns, urging citizens to reduce travel and adopt renewable energy sources.

Trump highlighted the military gains achieved by U.S. and Israeli forces, claiming Iran’s naval and aerial capabilities were “gone” and its leadership “now dead.” He reiterated Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s assertion that families of fallen American troops had supported his push to “finish the job.”

Speaking at the White House, Trump underscored the success of Operation Epic Fury, which he said had crippled Iran’s missile and drone programs. “We’re going to hit them extremely hard over the next few weeks,” he said, “bringing them back to the stone ages where they belong.”

Earlier in the day, Trump praised NASA’s recent lunar mission, calling it “quite something.” The upcoming prime-time address on Wednesday night will serve as his first major speech since the war began a month ago, offering a chance to outline his vision for the conflict’s resolution.