JERUSALEM/PALM BEACH, Florida, March 15 – The conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has entered a critical phase, with officials in Washington suggesting the war may conclude within weeks. However, leaders in Tehran insist their country is fully capable of sustaining a prolonged confrontation. As the military standoff continues, the disruption of global energy supplies and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have intensified economic uncertainty worldwide.
Oil prices have surged to around $100 per barrel, reflecting fears that the crisis could further strain international energy markets. While U.S. officials believe the situation will stabilize quickly, Iranian leaders have rejected the idea that they are seeking negotiations or a ceasefire, portraying their country as resilient and prepared for a long struggle.
Washington Predicts Short Conflict as Energy Markets React
Senior officials from the Trump administration expressed confidence during several television interviews on Sunday that the conflict will not drag on for an extended period. They argued that once military objectives are achieved, oil production and global energy supply routes will stabilize, allowing prices to decline.
Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” program, U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the signs suggest the war could end relatively soon. According to Wright, energy markets are reacting strongly to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, but once the fighting subsides and supply routes reopen, oil prices are expected to fall and global markets should rebound.
The Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime passages, handles roughly one fifth of the global supply of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Since the start of the military campaign on February 28, shipping traffic through the waterway has been severely disrupted, creating shockwaves across global trade and transportation networks.
The fighting has also affected major energy infrastructure in the region. Fujairah, a critical ship refueling hub in the United Arab Emirates, temporarily halted operations after missile attacks in the area on Saturday. Industry sources later confirmed that the port resumed oil loading the following day, though concerns remain about the vulnerability of energy facilities across the Gulf.
In response to the supply shock, the International Energy Agency announced that member countries would release more than 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to help stabilize global markets. The move is intended to offset shortages caused by the disruption of Gulf shipping lanes.
President Trump, meanwhile, warned that additional strikes on Iran’s oil facilities could be carried out if necessary. In remarks reported by NBC News, he said the United States might launch further attacks on Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export hub, following recent airstrikes that he claimed had significantly damaged the site.
The escalation has complicated diplomatic efforts by several Middle Eastern countries attempting to mediate a ceasefire. According to diplomatic sources cited in regional media coverage, Washington has so far shown little interest in opening talks while military operations are ongoing.
At the same time, international leaders are increasingly focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held discussions with Trump on Sunday about the importance of restoring shipping through the waterway, according to a spokesperson from Downing Street.
Several countries affected by the energy disruption, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom, have been urged by Washington to participate in efforts to secure the passage.
Iran Projects Strength While Conflict Spreads Across the Region
Despite growing pressure, Iranian officials maintain that the country remains stable and prepared to defend itself indefinitely. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said during an interview on CBS’s “Face the Nation” that Iran had not requested a ceasefire and had not sought negotiations with Washington.
Araqchi argued that Iran had already been engaged in diplomatic discussions with the United States when the attacks began. Because of that, he said Tehran sees little reason to return to negotiations while the conflict continues.
According to Araqchi, the war is not a struggle for survival for Iran. Instead, he described the country as strong enough to withstand external pressure and capable of sustaining military resistance for as long as necessary.
Meanwhile, Iranian military officials say the country continues to launch missile and drone attacks targeting Israeli positions and U.S. military bases across the region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps reported additional strikes on Sunday, claiming that several attacks were also directed toward American installations.
Saudi Arabia said its air defense systems intercepted multiple incoming projectiles in recent days, highlighting the widening regional impact of the conflict.
Iran has also signaled that it still holds additional military capabilities in reserve. A spokesperson for the Revolutionary Guards, Ali Mohammad Naini, said Iran has not yet deployed its newest missile systems. His comments were carried by Iranian state media, suggesting that Tehran may escalate further if the conflict continues.
Israel, for its part, has expanded its military operations inside Iran. Israeli defense officials say airstrikes have targeted command centers associated with the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij militia in western Iranian cities such as Hamadan.
Sources familiar with Israel’s military planning told Reuters News Agency that recent strikes have also focused on infrastructure believed to be used by Iranian commanders, including bridges and transportation routes.
The conflict has triggered a growing humanitarian crisis across parts of the Middle East. The World Health Organization reported that more than 100,000 people in Iran have relocated because of the fighting, while up to 700,000 residents in Lebanon have been displaced.
To assist countries dealing with the crisis, the organization released $2 million in emergency funding aimed at supporting healthcare systems and humanitarian relief efforts.
As the war enters its third week, the overall toll has climbed above 2,000 deaths, with the majority of casualties reported in Iran and Lebanon.
Diplomatic discussions are continuing behind the scenes, particularly between Israel and Lebanon. Israeli officials say talks may begin soon aimed at achieving a ceasefire along the Lebanese border, which could include the disarmament of Hezbollah fighters backed by Iran.
However, with missile exchanges continuing and the strategic Strait of Hormuz largely closed to global shipping, the conflict still poses a major threat to the international economy and regional stability. Whether Washington’s prediction of a quick end proves accurate remains uncertain as both sides signal they are prepared to continue the fight.