Trump escalates threats of war against Iran; oil prices hit intraday highs; stocks pull back; Bitcoin falls to 67K

U.S. President Trump delivered a nationwide address at 9:00 a.m. Taiwan time, saying the U.S. would “strike Iran with extreme severity” within the next two to three weeks. Not only did this fail to convince the market that he could end the war quickly, it instead made investors uneasy. As a result, Brent crude hit its intraday high. Asian stocks erased their gains, while Bitcoin fell from 68K to 67K.

Trump: The U.S.’s core objectives in Iran are “about to be completed”

On April 1, 2026, U.S. President Trump delivered a nationwide television address announcing that after about a month of the “Operation Epic Fury” targeting Iran, there had been substantial progress. The operation nearly achieved all military objectives, including destroying Iran’s ballistic missiles and drones, as well as its air force, navy, and industrial bases. He said these measures would stop Tehran’s proxies from undermining regional stability and cut off Iran’s path to developing nuclear weapons.

Trump said:

“Tonight, I’m pleased to announce that these core strategic objectives are about to be completed. We’re going to get this job done, and we’re going to do it very soon. We are already very close to the goal.”

Negotiations are still ongoing; within the next two to three weeks, the U.S. will “strike Iran with extreme severity”

Trump added that the negotiations are still ongoing. He also warned, however, that if a final agreement is not reached, the U.S. would strike every power plant in Iran severely—and it is very likely that this would happen at the same time.

Rising gasoline prices are a “short-term” phenomenon caused by Iran’s attacks

Regarding the recent spike in oil prices caused by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump insisted that this is only a short-term phenomenon, and that after the war ends, the energy shock would ease. But in his speech, he did not explain how the U.S. would persuade Iran to restore traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. He urged allies that rely on Middle East oil supply to “keep this corridor in good shape.”

Stocks fall as crude oil hits its intraday high

Some of Trump’s remarks not only failed to convince the market that he could end the war quickly, but also seemed to make investors uneasy. As a result, U.S. Treasury yields rose, the dollar strengthened, and in addition, Trump’s comments also triggered a rise in crude oil prices, with Brent crude hitting its intraday high. Asian stocks erased their gains, while Bitcoin fell from 68K to 67K.

This article first appeared on 鏈新聞 ABMedia.