WASHINGTON — In a major turn of events, President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, that U.S. military operations in Iran are nearing completion. Speaking from the Oval Office, the president indicated that American forces could begin withdrawing “within two weeks, maybe three,” asserting that the mission to neutralize Tehran’s nuclear and military capabilities is ahead of schedule.

1. The “Finish the Job” Strategy

The president emphasized that a formal diplomatic treaty is not required for the U.S. to exit. His criteria for victory appear centered on military degradation rather than a signed accord.

• The Benchmark: “When we feel that they are… put into the stone ages and they won’t be able to come up with a nuclear weapon, then we’ll leave,” Trump told reporters.
• Mission Status: Trump claimed the current operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, is “two weeks ahead of schedule.” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth bolstered this by stating the coming days would be “decisive” as the U.S. ramps up its “highest volume of strikes” yet.

2. Thursday’s “Significant Update”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that President Trump will deliver a televised address to the nation on Thursday, April 2, at 9:00 PM ET.

• The Agenda: The address is expected to provide a formal roadmap for the conclusion of hostilities and potentially address the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
• Domestic Pressure: The announcement comes as national gas prices officially surpassed $4.00 per gallon on Tuesday, and new polling suggests rising domestic disapproval of the month-long conflict.

3. The Strait of Hormuz: “Get Your Own Oil”

A cornerstone of Trump’s exit strategy is a shift in maritime security. The president reiterated that the U.S. will no longer be the primary “policing force” for the Strait of Hormuz.

• Allied Responsibility: Trump told nations like France and China that they must “fend for themselves” if they want to secure energy shipments through the waterway.
• Market Impact: Despite the ongoing blockade, Wall Street futures surged following reports that Trump is willing to end the war even if the Strait remains partially closed, betting that a U.S. exit will immediately stabilize global oil markets.

4. Diverging Paths: Israel vs. U.S.

While Trump prepares for an exit, the alliance with Israel shows signs of friction regarding the endgame.

• Netanyahu’s Resolve: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to “continue to crush the terror regime,” suggesting Israel may maintain its aerial campaign or ground operations in Lebanon even after a U.S. withdrawal.
• Ground Troops? While Trump speaks of leaving, reports suggest the Pentagon is still weighing a short-term, elite special forces mission to secure and extract Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpiles before a final pullout.

Key Timeline: The Road to Withdrawal (April 2026)