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President Trump Hints at '2-3 Week' Iran Military Operation Conclusion
Iran Operation Conclusion and Redefinition
US President Donald Trump has projected that military operations against Iran will conclude 'within two to three weeks.' This announcement is expected during his first address to the nation following the Iran attack. Professor Tetsuo Kotani of Meikai University analyzed that President Trump, having previously aimed for regime change in Iran and failing, is likely to redefine the military operation's objective to halting Iran's nuclear development program. Such an address would convey the US administration's unilateral stance and highlight short-term military achievements.
Gasoline Prices and US Troop Withdrawal Prospects
When questioned by reporters about plans to lower gasoline prices, President Trump responded that the US would withdraw from Iran. This is interpreted as an expectation for market stability and oil price drops following the operation's conclusion. However, experts caution that a unilateral US withdrawal does not guarantee a decline in gasoline prices. Currently, approximately 50,000 US troops, including elite units capable of amphibious operations, are stationed in the Middle East. Professor Kotani believes that large-scale ground operations are unlikely, and a gradual withdrawal of US forces is a more realistic scenario.
Hint at Non-Intervention in Strait of Hormuz
Regarding the Strait of Hormuz issue, President Trump posted on SNS that countries affected by any closure should 'buy oil from America or go get the oil yourself from the Strait. America will no longer help you.' This suggests that the US intends to fully delegate the safety of the Strait of Hormuz to the countries that utilize it. Professor Kotani stated that since the US will no longer intervene, affected countries must either engage in dialogue with Iran to pay transit fees or pool military resources to secure the strait themselves. As South Korea relies on the Middle East for about 90% of its crude oil, urgent measures to address this shift in US policy are deemed necessary.
*Source: YouTube: 日テレNEWS (2026-04-01)*
