WASHINGTON, United States — US President Donald Trump told Americans in a prime-time address that the war with Iran would end “shortly,” while signalling that further military strikes are imminent.
Speaking on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, in his first national address on the conflict, Mr Trump described the campaign as necessary for global security and said U.S. forces had significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities.
“Thanks to the progress we’ve made, I can say tonight that we are on track and the country has been eviscerated and essentially is really no longer a threat,” he said.
“This is a true investment in your children and your grandchildren’s future. The whole world is watching.”
Warning of Intensified Strikes
Despite suggesting the conflict could conclude soon, Mr Trump said military operations would continue until objectives were fully achieved.
“Shortly, we’re going to hit them extremely hard,” he said. “Over the next two to three weeks, we’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages. In the meantime, discussions are ongoing.”
He added that if Iran does not reach an agreement with the United States, American forces would target its energy infrastructure.
“we are going to hit each and every one of their electric generating plants very hard and probably simultaneously,” he said.
Justification for Military Action
Mr Trump said the war was launched to counter what he described as long-standing destabilising actions by Iran and to prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“Everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons, but in the end, those are just words if you’re not willing to take action when the time comes,” he said.
“We are on the cusp of ending Iran’s sinister threat to America and the world.”
He also referenced past conflicts to place the current war in context, noting that earlier U.S. military engagements had lasted significantly longer.
“It’s very important that we keep this conflict in perspective,” he said.
Economic Pressures and Public Concerns
The address comes as rising oil and gas prices linked to the conflict have increased economic pressure domestically.
Mr Trump acknowledged public concern but attributed the price increases to Iran.
He said the United States would benefit from increased domestic energy production and cooperation with other producers.
Military Operations and Strategic Questions
According to Defense Department figures cited in the address, U.S. forces have struck thousands of targets in Iran, including missile sites, command centres and weapons facilities, and have damaged or destroyed more than 150 vessels.
Mr Trump has not ruled out deploying ground troops, though he did not address that possibility directly in the speech.
Public opinion surveys indicate that many Americans oppose sending U.S. troops into the conflict.
Ongoing Uncertainty
Mr Trump has repeatedly said the war would end soon, offering varying timelines in recent weeks.
While he suggested progress toward that goal, he did not provide a definitive end date in his remarks.
The conflict, now in its second month, continues to involve U.S. forces, regional allies and Iranian strikes across the Middle East, with diplomatic efforts ongoing alongside military operations.
