End Iran

• President Donald Trump stated on March 31 that the US military campaign against Iran could conclude within two to three weeks, saying 'We'll be leaving very soon' from the Oval Office. • Trump emphasized no diplomatic deal with Tehran is required, insisting the goal is to render Iran unable to develop nuclear weapons and 'put into the stone ages' before withdrawal. • The announcement signals an extension beyond the initial four-to-six week timeline amid reordered Middle East dynamics, disrupted global energy markets, and impacts on Trump's presidency.

• Equity markets reacted positively after Iranian state media indicated willingness to end the conflict with the US, contingent on certain conditions, as reported in Bloomberg coverage. • President Trump described potential US exit from Iran as 'very soon,' predicting sharp drops in gasoline prices and improved safety from neutralized nuclear threats. • The month-long war has spiked fuel costs, affecting grocery prices as noted by industry figures like Stew Leonard Jr.

• The S&P 500 rose over 1.5% and Nasdaq climbed nearly 2% Monday after the White House signaled it may abandon America's role in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Trump telling allies on Truth Social to "build up some delayed courage" and secure the strait themselves. • Trump wrote on social media: "You'll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us," signaling a potential shift toward military disengagement despite ongoing operations. • The mixed messaging coincides with U.S. gas prices crossing $4 per gallon Tuesday—up more than $1 from February 27—marking the first time since 2022's Ukraine crisis energy shock, while Trump's approval rating has dropped to -16.7, a record low for his second term.

• Every Magnificent 7 stock has fallen into double-digit losses from 52-week highs, with Microsoft down roughly 32% from its October peak, marking its worst start to a year in history, as the group enters correction territory. • Oil prices surged following Operation Epic Fury beginning February 28, reigniting inflation expectations and shifting rate outlook; markets now price in greater likelihood of rate hikes by year-end rather than cuts. • Excitement around AI infrastructure spending has waned amid concerns over combined capital expenditures for Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta expected to exceed $650 billion in 2026, up 60% from 2025.

• President Trump announced he is delaying threatened strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, citing productive talks on ending the war and extending the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • Iranian leaders continue to deny any direct talks are taking place with U.S. officials, maintaining their public position on the dispute. • The delay signals potential diplomatic progress while tensions remain high over regional shipping routes critical to global oil supplies.

• The Pentagon is considering deploying up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East beyond the 1,500 already mobilized from the 82nd Airborne Division, according to a senior U.S. defense official. • U.S. Central Command reported striking more than 8,000 targets, including over 130 Iranian naval vessels, while Israel confirmed dropping more than 15,000 munitions as part of coordinated Operation Epic Fury and Operation Roaring Lion campaigns launched on February 28. • U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on March 27 that Washington expects the operation against Iran to conclude "within weeks, not months" and that the U.S. can meet all objectives without using ground troops.

• President Trump extended the strike deadline on Iran's energy sector while warning that failure to accept current negotiation terms would result in "far greater military consequences," according to White House statements. • The White House confirmed ongoing negotiations with Iranian leadership despite military operations continuing at historic levels, with Iranian leadership described by Trump as "desperate to negotiate."