President Donald Trump stated the U.S. will maintain a strong military posture against Iran for the next two to three weeks, even as he highlighted the perceived success of American operations. The announcement came during a national address on Wednesday night.

Defense of Middle East Policy

During his address, President Trump defended U.S. involvement in the Middle East, asserting that Iran was actively pursuing nuclear weapons. He stated, “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” and further declared the intention to bring Iran “back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.”

No Negotiation Plans or Troop Deployment Details

Trump did not discuss potential negotiations with Iran, nor did he mention the previously set April 6 deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He also refrained from outlining a clear strategy for resolving supply disruptions impacting energy prices. The President did not address the possibility of deploying U.S. ground troops or seeking assistance from NATO.

Economic Impact

Following Trump’s remarks, oil prices surged. Brent crude, the international benchmark, jumped 6.9% to $108.15 per barrel, while U.S. crude rose 6.4% to $106.55 per barrel. Asian stock markets also experienced declines, with Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 falling 2.4% and South Korea’s Kospi losing 4.5%.

U.S. gas prices reached an average of $4 a gallon on Tuesday, the highest since 2022, as the conflict continues to drive up fuel costs globally. Analysts predict these increased fuel costs will contribute to higher prices for groceries and other goods.

International Reactions

A spokesman for Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Elias Hazrati, dismissed Trump’s speech as “insane” on Thursday, stating it “boosted our nation’s integrity.” He added, “Trump is tangled with insane remarks. Today, Iran is managing the Strait of Hormuz powerfully.”

Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Iranian military, claimed that Tehran possesses hidden stockpiles of arms and munitions, and that targeted sites were insignificant.

Regional Concerns & Security Alerts

South Korea is in close contact with Washington regarding the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, supporting efforts to normalize shipping routes and protect its citizens. President Lee Jae Myung has urged the legislature to approve a supplementary budget to address the “extraordinary” energy crisis.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued a warning on Thursday, stating that Iran-linked militias in Iraq “may intend to conduct attacks” within the next 24-48 hours, targeting U.S. citizens and infrastructure. An American freelance journalist, Shelly Kittleson, remains missing after being kidnapped in Baghdad on Tuesday.

Further Developments

An airstrike has severely wounded a former Iranian foreign minister, Saeed Kharazi, who previously suggested Iran could pursue nuclear weapons. A New York-based think tank, the Soufan Center, stated that Trump’s speech indicates a willingness to leave the security of the Strait of Hormuz to other nations. Fuel prices in Thailand have also increased following subsidy cuts.

Democrats have criticized Trump’s address as “incoherent,” questioning its clarity and failing to address key concerns about the conflict’s impact on the American economy.