Trump signals Iran war may end soon as gas prices hit $4 nationwide
President Donald Trump is preparing for a rare primetime address to the nation.
(NBC) – President Donald Trump is preparing for a rare primetime address to the nation, signaling the war with Iran may be nearing an end.
“I would say that within two weeks, maybe — two weeks, maybe three. We’re hitting them very hard,” Trump said.
The president says his administration is now negotiating with what he describes as a more “rational” group of Iranian officials. But he also made clear a deal may not be necessary to end the conflict, pointing to what he says is significant damage already inflicted on Iran’s military capabilities.
New video released by United States Central Command appears to show U.S. forces striking underground targets inside Iran.
“If they come to the table, that’ll be good, but it doesn’t matter whether they come or not. We’ve set them back,” Trump said, adding it could take Iran 15 to 20 years to rebuild.
The push toward a possible end to the conflict comes as Americans are feeling the economic impact.
Gas prices have surged past four dollars a gallon nationwide for the first time in nearly four years, driven in part by instability in global energy markets.
Drivers across the country say the spike is hitting hard.
“This is the highest that I’ve seen in a very, very long time, if not ever,” said one driver in Chicago.
“Gas prices right now is insane,” added a delivery driver in New York City.
“I go to check my pockets… can’t afford it,” said another driver in Washington, D.C.
Despite the rising costs, markets reacted positively Tuesday, with stocks climbing on hopes the war could soon come to an end.
Trump also downplayed concerns about the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route, suggesting other countries would manage their own energy needs.
Still, experts warn energy prices could remain elevated if the critical shipping lane remains disrupted.
The president is expected to outline next steps in his address tonight.
