Iran war latest: Trump says US could end conflict in Iran within two to three weeks

TEHRAN, IRAN - MARCH 31: The aftermath of a drone attack on a residential building in which one civilian was killed is seen on March 31, 2026 in eastern Tehran, Iran. The United States and Israel continued their joint attack on Iran that began on Feb

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President Donald Trump said the military could conclude its offensive against Iran within two to three weeks, while signaling a shift in responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz to nations that depend on it for oil and shipping. 

President Trump plans on addressing the nation in a prime-time address from the White House Wednesday evening. 

Trump has voiced his frustration with allies he says have not done enough to support the U.S. effort, telling them to "get your own oil." His stance has fluctuated between pointing at progress in diplomatic talks and warning of further escalation. 

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed to Al Jazeera, they have received messages from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff but said no direct negotiations are underway. 

Meanwhile, U.S. gas prices have surged past an average of $4 per gallon for the first time since 2022, driven by the ongoing conflict. 

READ MORE: Trump to address nation on Wednesday regarding conflict in Middle East
 

Here’s the latest from Wednesday: 

US could finish operation in Iran within two to three weeks

7:05 a.m. ET: On Tuesday, President Trump said U.S. military could complete its mission in Iran within two to three weeks, pointing to what he described as rapid progress on the ground. 

Speaking from the White House, Trump suggested the operation is nearing its end, with decisions on next steps expected soon. 

Trump is expected to speak to the nation on the state of the conflict in a prime-time address on Wednesday evening at 9 p.m. 

More troops sent to Middle East

Thousands of additional U.S. troops are heading to the Middle East.

The aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush deployed Tuesday and is slated to go to the Middle East along with three destroyers, two U.S. officials told The Associated Press. The carrier strike group consists of more than 6,000 sailors.

The move comes as thousands of soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division also have begun arriving in the Middle East.

Global oil prices rise

Big picture view:

Iran’s hold on the Strait of Hormuz has led to driving up global oil prices. 

Spot prices of Brent crude oil hovered around $107 a barrel on Tuesday, up more than 45% since the war started on Feb. 28. 

The average price of gas in the U.S. jumped to $4 a gallon for the first time since 2022. The last time this happened was after Russia invaded Ukraine four years ago.