Washington/Dubai, April 1, 2026 — President Donald Trump has declared that the ongoing conflict with Iran will conclude in just two to three weeks, despite the Strait of Hormuz remaining fully closed and no agreements in place. The primary reason for this shift appears to be the skyrocketing prices of gasoline and diesel in the United States.

Since the onset of the conflict, the average price of gasoline in the U.S. has surged past $4 per gallon (approximately ₹330 per liter), marking the highest level since 2022. Just a month ago, prices hovered around $3 per gallon, but they have now increased by over $1. In some states, prices have even reached $5 per gallon. Diesel prices are also nearing $5, adding extra strain on transportation and grocery costs.

In a statement from the Oval Office, Trump remarked, “We will be out of Iran in two to three weeks. Iran doesn’t need to make a deal. They’ve been pushed back to the ‘Stone Age,’ and now we are leaving.” He also criticized allied nations, particularly in Europe, saying, “You need to get your own oil; America can’t fight anymore. Whether the Strait of Hormuz is open or not is irrelevant to us.”

Previously, Trump had issued ultimatums to open the Strait and even threatened to destroy Iran's power plants, but he is no longer emphasizing these points. Analysts suggest that domestic economic pressures have compelled him to make this decision.

• Closure of the Strait of Hormuz: Approximately 20% of the world's oil supply passes through this strait. Shipping has nearly come to a halt due to Iranian attacks and mines.


• Crude Oil Prices: Brent crude has surged past $94-100 per barrel, compared to around $80 previously.


• U.S. Influence: Although the U.S. is the largest oil producer, domestic gasoline prices are affected by the global market. The spring break and travel season have further intensified the pressure.

• Fuel prices have also increased in several countries across Europe and Asia.


• Trump has urged allies to secure the Strait themselves or arrange their own oil supplies.


• Iran has so far refused to negotiate and has warned of keeping the Strait completely closed.

Experts believe that even after the conflict ends, prices will not drop immediately. Disruptions in the supply chain, tanker backlogs, and infrastructure damage could have lingering effects for weeks or months.

Trump's urgency indicates that foreign policy decisions are now closely tied to domestic economic conditions and voter sentiment. While the U.S. exerted significant military pressure on Iran, the concerns of everyday Americans at the gas pump have now become a compelling reason to shorten the conflict.

It remains to be seen how effective Trump's plan will be and how unstable the global oil market will remain with the Strait of Hormuz closed.