US President Donald Trump on 9 October 2026 declared that the conflict involving Iran would end 'very soon,' predicting a sharp decline in global oil prices and reaffirming that Tehran would never be permitted to develop nuclear weapons. Trump made the remarks at a Columbus Day celebration held in the East Room of the White House, in an address primarily dedicated to honouring Christopher Columbus and recognising the contributions of Italian Americans.

Trump's Claims on Iran's Military Condition

Trump claimed that the United States had imposed a naval blockade on Iran and had substantially degraded its military capabilities. 'They have no military; they have no navy; they have no air force; they have no anti-aircraft things,' he said. He also referenced military operations near the Strait of Hormuz — a critical chokepoint for international oil shipments — and claimed that American forces had 'taken out 28 million barrels' the previous day, though he did not clarify what that figure specifically represented.

'The Navy is, we put a blockade up; nobody gets through,' Trump said, suggesting that Washington intended to sustain military and economic pressure until the confrontation reached a resolution.

Nuclear Weapons and the B-2 Bomber Strikes

Trump defended earlier American military strikes against Iranian nuclear facilities, asserting that Tehran had been only weeks away from acquiring a nuclear weapon before the US launched attacks using B-2 bombers. 'If we didn't attack them with the B-2 bombers early on, they were two weeks away, maybe three weeks away from having a nuclear weapon,' he said. He argued that the strikes had prevented a broader regional catastrophe, claiming Iran would have targeted Israel and potentially threatened other countries, including the United States and European nations. He specifically named Los Angeles and San Diego as possible American targets, though he offered no supporting evidence during the address.

Oil Prices and Economic Predictions

Trump repeatedly linked the conflict's outcome to energy prices, telling the audience that American consumers would benefit once hostilities ended. He recalled seeing petrol prices of $1.95 and $1.85 a gallon during a visit to Iowa and predicted prices could return to those levels. 'The prices will come tumbling, and it's going to be over soon, one way or the other we can do it either way very simple but one way or the other, it's going to be over very soon,' he said. 'We'll be down to those levels soon,' he added.

What Was Not Said

Notably, Trump did not announce a ceasefire, disclose any ongoing negotiations with Tehran, or provide a concrete timetable for ending the conflict. He also did not name any intermediary country or diplomatic channel involved. His comments came during a wide-ranging address that also covered immigration, crime, historical monuments, and construction projects at the presidential complex. This comes amid sustained international concern over the strategic implications of a prolonged US-Iran confrontation for regional stability and global energy markets.