Key Highlights
- President Trump announces US military operations in Iran will conclude within 2–3 weeks, citing achievement of nuclear objectives
- Withdrawal timeline not contingent on new agreements with Iran or reopening of Strait of Hormuz
- Iranian Revolutionary Guards issued threats targeting 18 major US corporations, including Microsoft, Apple, and Tesla
- Bitcoin surged 1.6% while Ethereum climbed 3.5% in response to withdrawal announcement
- Wall Street rallied with S&P 500 climbing 2.91% and Dow Jones advancing 2.49% on Tuesday
President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that the United States military presence in Iran could conclude within a two to three-week timeframe. Speaking to members of the press at the White House while signing executive orders, Trump outlined his vision for winding down the campaign.
NOW – Trump says the U.S. will leave the Iran War in 2 or 3 weeks. pic.twitter.com/p0j83neowV
— Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) March 31, 2026
According to Trump, the mission’s core objective—preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons—has been successfully accomplished. “I had one goal: They will have no nuclear weapons, and that goal has been attained,” the president stated.
The military operations commenced in February following coordinated strikes by US and Israeli forces targeting Iranian facilities. Iran responded by orchestrating a blockade of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of global oil shipments pass.
Trump emphasized that the US exit strategy does not require Tehran to negotiate new terms. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal with me,” he declared to journalists.
Furthermore, the president clarified that restoring full navigation through the Strait of Hormuz would not be a precondition for American forces to withdraw, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
Financial Markets Respond Positively to Withdrawal News
Bitcoin experienced an uptick of 1.6%, reaching approximately $67,858, while Ethereum posted stronger gains of 3.5%, trading near $2,097, based on CoinGecko data. The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization increased by 1.1% during the 24-hour period.
Traditional equity markets also demonstrated robust performance, with the S&P 500 index closing Tuesday’s session with a 2.91% gain. The Dow Jones Industrial Average similarly advanced 2.49%.
Earlier in March, financial markets had similarly responded with moderate increases when Trump initially hinted that the military operations might be approaching completion.
Iranian Forces Target American Corporations
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced threats directed at 18 prominent American companies with operations in the Middle East, taking effect Tuesday evening local Tehran time. The targeted firms include Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing.
When questioned about these threats, Trump dismissed the concern. “They don’t have much left to threaten,” he responded.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth acknowledged that Iranian forces retain offensive missile capabilities. He indicated that diplomatic discussions continue, though the United States remains ready to pursue military action should Iran fail to cooperate.
General Dan Caine reported that US forces have eliminated more than 150 Iranian naval vessels and continue targeting manufacturing facilities and research installations.
The regional conflict has expanded into Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes near Beirut resulted in at least seven fatalities and 24 injuries. Israeli officials stated these operations aimed at eliminating senior Hezbollah leadership.
China and Pakistan jointly advocated for an immediate cessation of hostilities, with their foreign ministers convening in Beijing to push for diplomatic resolution.
Domestic US gasoline prices have exceeded $4 per gallon for the first time in more than three years, Gas Buddy reports. Public opinion polling by Reuters/Ipsos indicates that two-thirds of American citizens favor a swift conclusion to US military involvement, even if it means not fully achieving all stated objectives.
The president is scheduled to deliver a national address Wednesday evening at 9pm ET to provide further details regarding the Iran situation.
