Trump Signals Possible Iran War De-escalation Amid Rising Tensions
President Donald Trump on Friday indicated that the United States may soon scale back its military operations against Iran, stating that key objectives are close to being achieved. His remarks come as Iran ramps up retaliatory strikes following US and Israeli attacks that began on February 28.
Tensions escalated further this week after Israel targeted a major Iranian gas field. In response, Iran struck a significant LNG facility in Qatar located across the same gas field, intensifying the conflict and rattling global energy markets.
The attacks triggered a sharp surge in oil and gas prices, prompting Trump to adopt a more cautious tone. He also stated on Thursday that Israel would refrain from further strikes on the Iranian gas field.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said, “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East,” referring to Iran as a “terror regime.” The statement is his clearest signal yet that hostilities could soon ease.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt echoed this sentiment, noting on X that the mission was expected to take four to six weeks. “Tomorrow marks week three, and US Armed Forces are doing an exceptional job,” she said, adding that Iran’s capabilities are being steadily weakened.
Meanwhile, Iran claimed it had “seriously damaged” a US F-35 stealth fighter—calling it the first such incident—though US Central Command confirmed only that one aircraft made an emergency landing and the pilot remains in stable condition.
Amid concerns over rising energy prices and potential supply disruptions, the US Treasury announced a temporary easing of sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto ships. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the move could release around 140 million barrels of oil into global markets by April 19, helping to stabilise supply and ease price pressures.
