US President Donald Trump said the Trump Iran military operation may end soon, offering some relief to global markets that have been shaken by the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking at a press conference in Florida, Trump told reporters the campaign in Iran would likely remain short. He said the United States would respond strongly if the conflict restarted. His remarks helped calm investors after days of sharp market swings.
The Trump Iran military operation had already triggered serious concerns in global financial markets. On Monday, stock markets dropped while oil prices surged after Iran launched a fresh wave of missiles toward Gulf countries. Tehran also signaled that the Strait of Hormuz could remain closed, raising fears of a major disruption in global oil supplies.
However, markets reacted positively after Trump suggested the conflict might not last long. Wall Street moved into positive territory, while Asian markets in Tokyo and Seoul also opened stronger the following day.
Oil prices, which had jumped above $100 per barrel for the first time since 2022, later dropped by nearly five percent. Analysts said investors became less worried after hearing that the Trump Iran military operation could be limited in duration.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards responded firmly, saying Iran would decide when the war ends, not Washington. The statement came as the country entered a new political phase under its newly appointed leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who recently took power after the death of Ali Khamenei.
Soon after his appointment, Iranian forces launched missile and drone attacks targeting Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Israel. Another missile was also fired toward Turkiye but was intercepted by air defense systems before reaching its target.
The conflict has also focused global attention on the strategic Strait of Hormuz. The key waterway handles nearly 20 percent of the world’s crude oil shipments. Since tensions escalated during the Trump Iran military operation, Iran has blocked most oil tankers from passing through the route.
French President Emmanuel Macron said Western allies were considering a defensive mission to reopen the shipping lane once the most intense phase of fighting ends. The plan could involve escorting ships through the strait, though experts warn naval forces could face risks from Iranian coastal defenses.
Iran appears to be calculating that rising economic pressure from the blocked shipping route will push other countries to intervene diplomatically. Iranian officials believe global concerns over energy supply could eventually force an end to the war.
At the same time, the conflict continues to spread across the region. Iran-backed groups in Yemen and Lebanon have pledged support for Tehran. Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed strong backing for Iran’s new leadership.
Attacks have already affected regional energy facilities. Bahrain reported a fire at one of its oil installations after a strike, while Gulf energy companies warned that exports could be disrupted due to the worsening situation.
The fighting has also taken a human toll. In Bahrain, an Iranian strike on a residential area in the capital Manama killed one person and injured several others. In Israel, explosions were heard in Tel Aviv after missiles were launched from Iran, leaving at least one person dead.
Despite the continuing violence, Trump maintained that the Trump Iran military operation would remain limited. He repeated that the campaign was designed as a short mission but warned that the United States would respond more forcefully if Iran escalated further.