Trump Sets New Iran Conflict Timeline as Gas Prices Surge & UAE Considers Military Action

WASHINGTON – As the conflict with Iran enters its second month, President Donald Trump on Tuesday offered a revised timeline for a potential resolution, suggesting military operations could conclude within “two or three weeks.” This comes after initial predictions of a four-week campaign, a forecast already surpassed as gasoline prices in the U.S. Climbed above $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022. The President’s statements, delivered from the Oval Office, also marked a notable shift in his approach to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, indicating a willingness to withdraw U.S. Forces without securing its reopening.

“We’ll be gone very soon,” Trump announced. He had previously emphasized negotiations with Iranian officials to end the conflict and reopen the crucial shipping lane. However, he now asserts that no agreement is necessary for a U.S. Withdrawal. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal. No, they don’t have to make a deal with me,” he stated. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt subsequently announced that President Trump will address the nation Wednesday night at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (3 a.m. CET) regarding the situation in Iran.

This latest development adds further uncertainty to the ongoing conflict, particularly as Washington continues to deploy military assets to the region. The operation, dubbed “Epic Fury,” has seen the deployment of 7,000 additional soldiers, though only approximately 2,500 Marines aboard the USS Tripoli have arrived thus far. The USS Boxer, carrying additional personnel, is expected to arrive mid-April. Meanwhile, elements of the 82nd Airborne Division are prepared to deploy within 18 hours of receiving orders. The Pentagon had also considered sending an additional 10,000 troops last week.

Adding another layer of complexity, the Wall Street Journal reported exclusively that the United Arab Emirates is prepared to participate in a military campaign to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Sources familiar with the discussions also told the Associated Press that Gulf countries have privately urged the United States not to cease attacks on Iran until significant concessions are achieved. This represents a shift from earlier calls for de-escalation. The insistence from Arab nations to continue the campaign is a significant change in comparison to the initial days of the conflict, when they urged Washington not to attack Iran.

Iran’s actions have placed the economies and prosperity of petrostates at risk. Last week, strikes escalated to target energy infrastructure, causing billions of dollars in damage that will take years to repair. This impact alone ensures the economic consequences of the war will be felt long after the conflict ends.

Trump appears to be distancing the U.S. From the post-conflict management of the Strait of Hormuz. “We’re leaving. This isn’t for us. Somebody can take out the mines that have been laid in the water. It can be France or anybody that uses the Strait,” he said, referring to the naval mines Iran has deployed in the waterway since the conflict began.

Tuesday’s remarks followed a post on Truth Social in which Trump reiterated his disinterest in the fate of the Strait of Hormuz, despite previously conditioning a halt to potential strikes on Iranian electrical facilities on its reopening. He also criticized European allies for their lack of support in unblocking the shipping lane and dismissed concerns about potential fuel shortages. He suggested European nations purchase oil from the U.S. And take matters into their own hands to secure the waterway. “The United States will no longer be there to help you, just like you weren’t there to help us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is already done. Head obtain your own oil!” he wrote.

Meanwhile, Iran has denied any ongoing negotiations and issued a threat to escalate attacks against American companies in the region. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned that, starting Wednesday, it would target 17 American companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, Meta, IBM, HP, Intel, and Tesla. The Iranians warned these companies to “expect the destruction of their facilities for every act of terror in Iran,” referencing attacks by the U.S. And Israel.

The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation. The President’s address Wednesday night is expected to provide further clarity on the administration’s strategy and timeline for resolving the conflict. The evolving dynamics involving regional allies, particularly the UAE, and the shifting U.S. Position on the Strait of Hormuz, underscore the complexity of the situation and the uncertainty surrounding a potential end to hostilities.

What’s Next: President Trump is scheduled to address the nation Wednesday night at 9 p.m. Eastern Time (3 a.m. CET) to provide an update on the situation in Iran. This address is anticipated to outline the administration’s next steps and potentially offer a more definitive timeline for the conclusion of military operations.

Archysport will continue to provide updates on this developing story.