Former US President Donald Trump delivered a primetime address on April 1, giving a major update on the ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran. The war, now over a month old, continues to impact global markets and oil prices.
War Nearing End, Says Trump
Trump stated that the US is close to completing its “core strategic objectives.” He said the mission could end within the next 2–3 weeks. According to him, Iran’s naval and air capabilities have been largely destroyed, and the nuclear threat has been neutralized.
However, he also warned that the US is ready to take strong action if required. He added that Iran had approached for a ceasefire, though Iranian officials denied this claim.
Strait of Hormuz: US Signals Possible Exit
Trump also addressed the importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route. He said countries dependent on it should take responsibility for its security. He hinted that the US may withdraw even without a full agreement.
Oil Prices Jump After Speech
Global oil markets reacted immediately. Brent crude prices surged by 5–6%, reaching around $105–107 per barrel. Earlier, prices had fallen due to hopes of de-escalation. However, renewed tensions pushed prices higher again.
Indian Markets Fall Sharply
Indian stock markets saw a sharp decline on April 2.
- Sensex dropped around 1,400–1,500 points
- Nifty 50 fell nearly 2%
This fall was mainly due to rising oil prices, global uncertainty, and foreign investor selling. Asian markets also showed weakness.
While Trump projected confidence, his warning of further action created uncertainty. As a result, markets reacted negatively after initially expecting peace signals.
The US-Iran conflict remains highly unpredictable. Oil prices and stock markets are likely to stay volatile in the coming weeks. Therefore, investors should stay cautious and follow updates closely.
