Tehran was rocked by a fresh wave of explosions on Wednesday, as US President Donald Trump suggested that the war with Iran could be over in two or three weeks. The escalating conflict began when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes across Iran, reportedly killing supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. What started as a series of targeted strikes has quickly spiraled into a broader regional war, raising fears of widespread instability and potential economic disruption worldwide.
Trump, whose statements on the war have alternated between combative and conciliatory tones, told reporters late on Tuesday that the fighting could conclude in “two weeks, maybe three.” The White House confirmed that Trump would provide “an important update on Iran” to the nation at 9:00 pm Wednesday (0100 GMT Thursday).
Despite Trump’s prediction, Tehran has denied any ongoing negotiations with the United States and stated that it has not responded to a reported 15-point peace proposal from Washington. Iranian officials, however, maintain that they have the “necessary will” to end the war, provided assurances are made that hostilities will not flare up again.
Trump and Regional Escalation
Iranian media reported that the capital, Tehran, was targeted again on Wednesday, along with strikes hitting steel complexes in central and southwest Iran, resulting in “significant damage and destruction.” An AFP journalist noted that one strike occurred near the former US embassy, now a museum dubbed the “Den of Spies,” a longstanding symbol of hostility between Tehran and Washington.
The Israeli military confirmed its role in the attacks on the capital, while Iranian emergency services reported that a missile strike wounded 14 people, including an 11-year-old girl. Meanwhile, Israel intercepted a missile fired from Yemen—the third attack by Iran-backed Houthi rebels since they entered the conflict over the past weekend.
The conflict has already resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the region. In Lebanon, seven people were killed in strikes around south Beirut, and Israel claimed to have targeted a senior Hezbollah commander, reportedly killing the group’s top figure for Iraq military operations. Residents described streets as blackened and debris-strewn, with displaced civilians sleeping in the open amid ongoing hostilities.
Lebanon was drawn into the war on March 2 when Tehran-backed Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting a broad Israeli military response. Meanwhile, US allies in the Gulf have been drawn into the fighting, with Iran retaliating against nations perceived as bases for strikes. Incidents included a Bangladeshi national killed by falling drone shrapnel in the UAE, a large fire at fuel tanks in Kuwait, and drone attacks in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. A tanker near Qatar was also hit, while a drone strike in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan set an engine oil storage facility ablaze.
Truck driver Waad Abdulrazaq described life near Erbil international airport: “Every day, we hear the sound of drones. We hear them in the morning, and we hear them at night. We can no longer sleep or live in peace.”
Trump’s remarks temporarily eased market fears, as optimism over a possible end to the war pushed oil prices down and stock markets in Europe and Asia rallied. However, energy prices remain highly elevated, with US gasoline surpassing $4 a gallon for the first time in four years and European inflation surging. Susannah Streeter, chief investment strategist at Wealth Club, noted that prices are still roughly 50% higher than pre-war levels, reflecting skepticism about Trump’s optimistic statements.
The war has created significant economic strain, especially for countries dependent on oil imports. Iran’s control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz—through which one-fifth of global oil normally passes—has exacerbated global supply concerns. Civilians and businesses alike are feeling the pressure: “The additional diesel cost for me this month is €15,000, and we’re not managing to pass all of that on,” said Nicolas Barthes, a French driver protesting fuel price surges.
Earlier in the week, Trump issued stark warnings to Tehran, threatening that US forces could “obliterate” Iran’s oil wells, its Kharg Island export terminal, and potentially even water desalination plants if a deal was not reached. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi clarified that messages from US envoy Steve Witkoff do not constitute formal negotiations.
The UN has also raised concerns that the ongoing war is being used by regional powers to justify restrictions on media freedom and civil rights. With both diplomatic efforts and combat operations uncertain, the situation in the Middle East remains volatile.
As the war continues to dominate headlines, Trump’s statements have shaped public and market expectations. While some view his predictions as a signal of potential resolution, others remain cautious, noting that geopolitical conflicts rarely adhere to precise timelines. Analysts emphasize that the next few weeks will be critical, both for the region’s stability and the global economy.
Ultimately, Trump’s comments underscore the complex interplay between military action, diplomacy, and economic impact, as the world watches closely to see whether the conflict in Iran can truly be resolved quickly—or if it will deepen into an even broader regional crisis.
Source- EWN
