United States President Donald Trump delivered a televised address on 2 April 2026, stating that US military objectives in the Iran war are “nearing completion.” He asserted that American forces would intensify operations over the next two to three weeks, aiming to “finish the job” swiftly. Trump called on US allies to take responsibility for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route disrupted by the conflict. Oil prices and global markets responded with volatility following the speech.According to Financial Express, Trump concluded his 19-minute speech by promising a future where the US would be “safer, stronger, more prosperous” after the Iran conflict. He claimed Iran had requested a ceasefire, but stated that any consideration would only occur once the Strait of Hormuz is reopened. Iran denied making such a request, maintaining that the strait remains under its control. Trump also threatened to reconsider the US role in NATO, criticising member states for insufficient support in the conflict.As reported by Hindustan Times, Trump stated that US forces would “bring [Iran] back to the Stone Ages” and that all battlefield goals would be met “very, very shortly.” He emphasised that the military action was not aimed at securing Iran’s resources but at supporting US allies. Trump reiterated that the United States does not depend on the Strait of Hormuz for oil and urged allies reliant on the route to take steps to reopen it.As noted in an article by BBC, Trump’s speech did not provide a clear timeline for ending the conflict. He warned that if negotiations with Iran failed, the US would target Iranian energy infrastructure, specifically electric generating plants. The president also highlighted that the US had “decimated” Iran’s navy, drone, and ballistic missile forces, but refrained from mentioning the future of the NATO alliance in his address.Analysis showed that Trump’s speech focused on the achievements of US military operations, claiming “swift, decisive, overwhelming victories.” He did not discuss the possibility of deploying ground troops or ongoing negotiations with Iran. Trump encouraged countries dependent on the Strait of Hormuz, such as Japan, China, and South Korea, to take a more active role in reopening the waterway.“We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong,” Trump said during his address.Fact-checking by coverage revealed that Trump’s claim about the US importing “almost no oil” via the Strait of Hormuz is inaccurate. Data from the US Energy Information Administration indicates that 7% of US crude oil and 2% of petroleum liquids are imported through the strait. The article also clarified that, despite Trump’s assertion of regime change in Iran, the country’s leadership structure remains intact, with Mojtaba Khamenei succeeding his father as Supreme Leader.Trump’s address included a reference to a 2016 payment to Iran, stating that former President Barack Obama gave $1.7 billion “in cash” to Iran. Reporting indicated that this payment was part of a settlement over a decades-old financial dispute, with the funds delivered in cash due to sanctions isolating Iran from the global banking system.Trump’s remarks on the possibility of a ceasefire were met with immediate denial from Iranian officials. Following reports, Tehran described US demands as “maximalist and irrational” and denied any direct talks or requests for a ceasefire. The ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz and continued military strikes have contributed to rising oil prices and global economic uncertainty.“Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion, or, as they say, back to the Stone Ages!!!” Trump stated, referencing the ongoing military campaign.In response to Trump’s speech, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian released an open letter to the American people. At the end of the day, Pezeshkian called for a shift away from conflict and emphasised that Iran’s actions were grounded in self-defense, not aggression. He did not address the closure of the Strait of Hormuz directly but signalled openness to dialogue, while noting that ultimate authority in Iran rests with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.Note: This article is produced using AI-assisted tools and is based on publicly available information. It has been reviewed by The Quint's editorial team before publishing.