US Predicts Swift End to Iran War, Tehran Says It Can Outlast Enemies

Washington/Tehran: Officials in the United States have indicated that the ongoing conflict with Iran could end within weeks, even as Tehran insists it is prepared to continue fighting for as long as necessary.

Speaking amid concerns over rising oil prices and global economic uncertainty, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran may conclude relatively soon.

“This conflict will certainly come to an end in the next few weeks—possibly even sooner,” Wright said during an interview on the television programme “This Week.” He added that an eventual resolution could lead to increased oil supplies and a decline in global energy prices.

US President Donald Trump, however, signalled that military operations could intensify before any settlement is reached. Over the weekend, Trump threatened additional strikes on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export hub, and said he was not yet prepared to negotiate an agreement to end the war.

The conflict has already disrupted the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass. The closure of the waterway has sent crude prices hovering near $100 per barrel and unsettled global energy markets.

Despite Washington’s claims that Iran may be open to negotiations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected that assertion, saying Tehran had neither sought a ceasefire nor requested talks.

“We have never asked for a ceasefire and we have never asked even for negotiations,” Araqchi said during an interview with the programme “Face the Nation.” He stressed that Iran remains capable of sustaining the conflict and defending itself.

“It is not a war of survival. We are stable and strong enough,” he added.

The war, now in its third week, has expanded across parts of the Middle East. Trump claimed that recent US strikes had inflicted heavy damage on facilities at Kharg Island and warned that further attacks could follow.

According to health authorities and international agencies, the violence has resulted in more than 2,000 deaths, with the majority of casualties reported in Iran and Lebanon. The World Health Organization has released emergency funding to assist countries affected by the conflict and population displacement.

The fighting has also triggered significant humanitarian consequences, with reports indicating that more than 100,000 people have relocated within Iran while up to 700,000 residents in Lebanon have been displaced.

Meanwhile, Iranian forces continued missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli locations and several US military installations in the region. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched additional barrages against Israeli positions and American bases.

On the diplomatic front, regional efforts to reduce tensions remain uncertain. Israeli officials said talks could take place in the coming days between Israel and Lebanon aimed at securing a ceasefire and addressing the role of the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia.

The conflict has also had a major impact on global energy infrastructure and shipping routes. Most commercial traffic has been disrupted through the Strait of Hormuz since the United States and Israel began their bombing campaign on February 28.

To stabilise markets, the International Energy Agency announced that member countries will release emergency oil reserves totalling more than 411 million barrels to ease supply pressures.

Meanwhile, operations at the major bunkering hub in Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates briefly halted following weekend attacks but have since resumed.

International leaders are also exploring ways to restore safe navigation in the region. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed reopening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz during a call with Trump, according to officials.

Several countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea and United Kingdom, have also been urged to support international efforts to secure the waterway and restore global energy flows.