On March 31 (US time), US President Donald Trump said that Washington could end attacks on Iran within 2 to 3 weeks; and emphasized that Tehran does not need to reach an agreement to end the war. He said the US will "leave very soon", with an expected time of about 2 or 3 weeks.
Previously, the US had warned that it would increase military operations if Iran did not accept the 15-point ceasefire framework, which requires abandoning nuclear weapons development, stopping uranium enrichment and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said that the US is still ready to reach an agreement to end the conflict, but is also preparing to continue the operation if Iran does not meet the requirements. He said that the exchanges are progressing and the coming days will be decisive.
The Iranian side affirmed that the messages from US special envoy Steve Witkoff were not negotiations, but only indirect exchanges through intermediaries. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps also issued a warning targeting 18 US companies operating in the region, including large technology and industrial corporations.
Meanwhile, fighting is still taking place on many fronts. Israeli airstrikes in the Beirut area (Lebanon) have killed and injured many people, targeting senior Hezbollah commanders. Conflict has also spread to Syria as air defense systems intercept missiles from Iran.
In Iran, many infrastructures were attacked, including radar stations and steel plants in Bushehr and Isfahan. This information has not been independently verified.
Diplomatic efforts are being promoted as Pakistan plays a mediating role, while China and Pakistan call for a ceasefire and early resumption of negotiations. However, the actual situation shows that tensions show no signs of cooling down.
Strong energy price fluctuations are beginning to affect the US economy, with gasoline prices exceeding $4 per gallon. A survey shows that the majority of Americans want the government to quickly end its involvement in the war, even if all goals are not achieved.
