Kathmandu. US President Donald Trump has warned that the war with Iran is at a “decisive point” and threatened to continue for another two to three weeks. Trump’s remarks indicate that the end of the war is near, but it has raised international concerns.

In a speech from the White House on Wednesday evening, Trump said the United States was on the verge of achieving its goal. But he presented a clear blueprint for how and when the war would end. He reiterated his claim that “the job will be completed soon”, hinting that the US offensive would intensify.

The conflict, which has been raging for more than a month, is increasing political pressure inside the US. Trump’s approval rate is declining, and rising oil prices are putting economic pressure on the public. In this context, he gave a detailed explanation as to why Israel was collaborated in the attack launched on February 28.

“The strategic objective of the United States is to weaken Iran’s military capabilities, end support for regional armed groups, and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon,” he said. However, UN agencies and other analysts estimate that Iran is not immediately close to having a nuclear weapon.

Trump portrayed Israel’s assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as his breakthrough early in the conflict. He claimed that “most of Iran’s leadership was gone” and referred to military progress.

But Iran has responded by increasing its control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a major route for nearly a fifth of the world’s oil supplies. The impact is beginning to be felt on global markets — gasoline prices in the U.S. have risen above four dollars per gallon for years, and stock markets have plummeted.

Even after Trump’s speech, uncertainty remained in the market. Investors were cautious as oil prices rose again in early trading on Thursday. This has raised doubts about hopes that the war will end soon.

US Senator Chris Murphy said there was a lack of clarity in Trump’s policies. He said it was unclear whether Trump was escalating or reducing the war.

At the same time, Trump repeated the threat of taking more drastic measures if there is no deal with Iran, hinting that the country’s energy infrastructure could also be attacked. There are concerns that such a move could be contrary to international law and could be interpreted as a war crime.

“We will take them back to the Stone Age,” he said in strong language, hinting that the conflict could intensify. However, there was little mention in his address about the possibility of a diplomatic initiative.

Trump has claimed that Iranian President Massoud Pezeskian is seeking a ceasefire. Iran’s foreign ministry denied the claims, accusing the US of “unrealistic and excessive pressure”.

Expressing confidence in America’s military might, Trump claimed that “all the cards are with America”. At the same time, he tried to reassure allies in the Gulf region that they would not be allowed to fail, even though those countries have already been affected by Iranian retaliation.

He also criticized European allies, who expressed dissatisfaction with the US war effort. He said oil-dependent countries in the Gulf region should pay attention to the security of the Strait of Hormuz.