U.S. President Donald Trump stated on March 31 that the country would wind down its operations in Iran “very soon,” setting a deadline of “two, maybe three weeks,” even without a formal agreement, and downplayed the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, saying it was “not Washington’s problem.”
The statement represents yet another shift in Trump’s position, as he is known for his fluctuating rhetoric. The White House announced that the president will make a statement on Iran tonight.
Now entering its second month, the war in the Middle East – which has already claimed thousands of lives and continues to affect the global economy – shows no signs of slowing down, despite diplomatic efforts.
The day was also marked by new large-scale attacks against Iran and threats from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which warned major U.S. tech companies, such as Google, Meta, and Apple, accusing them of “espionage” and warning of possible retaliation if Iranian leaders are killed.
Read also: Iran War: Trump optimistic about peace deal (with video)
Trump has been sending mixed signals: on Monday, he promised to “wipe out” the strategic island of Kharg and other Iranian targets if no agreement was reached, but he eventually backed down.
“All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll do it very soon, and [oil prices] will go down,” he said, again citing a timeline of “two, maybe three weeks.”
When asked about negotiations to end the war, he said they are “irrelevant.” He also stopped demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20% of the world’s oil passes—stating that “we have nothing to do with that.”
On the Israeli side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured that the offensive against Iran would continue. “The campaign is not over […] we will continue to crush the terrorist regime, strengthen the security zones, and achieve our objectives,” he stated in a televised address.
Read also: Iran War: Trump “will blow up power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island” if deal isn’t reached
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, meanwhile, laid out conditions for a possible end to the conflict, including financial compensation, accountability, and a complete cessation of hostilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed that he continues to receive messages from U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, but stressed that this “does not mean” that negotiations are underway.
For his part, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that the coming days will be “decisive,” assuring that diplomatic contacts “are active” and gaining momentum.
Meanwhile, on the ground, the civilian population continues to live under intense pressure. In Tehran, residents describe a daily life marked by fear and uncertainty. “Lately, I’ve been staying home almost all the time and only go out if it’s absolutely necessary,” said Shahrzad, 39. “Sometimes I find myself crying. I miss normal days,” she confessed.
Iran also continues to launch attacks against Israel and U.S. allies in the Gulf, with the support of Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen. In Jerusalem, several explosions were heard following missile alerts, while incidents were also reported in Dubai and Saudi Arabia.
In Lebanon, Israeli strikes killed at least seven people in southern Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold. Israel claimed to have targeted a “high-ranking commander” and a “terrorist” from the group.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz also indicated that the country may occupy part of southern Lebanon after the war ends, an intention already criticized by the Lebanese government as a new “occupation.”
In New York, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting following the deaths of three Indonesian peacekeepers in Lebanon, in an incident classified as “very serious.” A UN source indicated that one of the soldiers was reportedly struck by Israeli artillery.
