Trump Warns Iran of “20× Harder” Strikes While Saying War Could End Soon
President Donald Trump is sending mixed signals about the war with Iran, saying the conflict could end soon even as U.S. forces continue major strikes.
Those comments have injected new uncertainty into global markets and diplomatic efforts as the war enters its second week.
The conflict began Feb. 28 when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets. Trump has said the campaign is “very complete” and progressing faster than expected, with thousands of strikes reported on Iranian military sites.
At the same time, Trump has warned that the United States could escalate dramatically if Iran blocks oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy supplies.
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“We are the ones who will decide when the war ends,” Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said in response to Trump’s remarks.
The conflicting signals have already moved financial markets. Oil prices surged above $100 a barrel early in the conflict before falling after Trump suggested the war might end “very soon,” easing fears of prolonged disruption.
According to reporting cited by multiple outlets, some advisers have urged the White House to consider an exit strategy as energy prices rise and political pressure grows in the United States over fuel costs and inflation.
Trump has also said any decision to end the conflict will be made in coordination with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, underscoring the joint nature of the campaign.
For now, fighting continues across the region, and officials say the next phase of the conflict will likely determine whether the war escalates further or moves toward a negotiated end.
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