Trump’s Speech: It’s Time for U.S. to Enter into Serious Ceasefire Talks with Iran

Editorial

14:33 JST, April 3, 2026

While stating that “we are going to finish the job [the U.S. attacks on Iran] … We’re getting very close,” U.S. President Donald Trump did not provide any concrete exit strategy. Disappointment spread throughout the markets, which had been hoping for an early end to the fighting.

As long as a solution of the situation in the Middle East remains out of sight, further damage to the United States and the global economy is inevitable. Trump should set aside his bluster and seriously embark on negotiations with Iran for a ceasefire.

Regarding the military campaign against Iran, Trump stated in his speech that “core strategic objectives are nearing completion.” He also warned that the attacks would intensify, saying, “Over the next two to three weeks, we’re going to bring them [Iran] back to the Stone Ages.”

This is the first time Trump has directly addressed the nation since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February, killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Trump likely felt compelled to dispel market anxiety and growing U.S. public dissatisfaction over the situation in Iran by claiming to have achieved “overwhelming victories.” However, it must be said that his effort to address the issues fell flat.

In response to the speech, the view has spread that the turmoil in the Middle East will instead become protracted. While crude oil prices surged, stock prices fell sharply.

As a result of Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz — a key place for crude oil shipments — gasoline prices have soared in the United States as well, accelerating inflation. Trump’s approval ratings have been low, and this could become a factor that will worsen his Republican Party’s performance in the autumn midterm elections.

In his speech, Trump indicated a policy of pursuing ceasefire negotiations in parallel with military operations. His true intention is likely to withdraw from Iran as soon as possible while claiming “victory.” If that is the case, he should decide to halt the attacks and enter into negotiations for solving the situation.

Prior to the speech, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian indicated willingness to end the war if there were “the guarantees to prevent repetition of the aggression.”

Although the Iranian president’s authority is limited, his mention of a ceasefire likely is a sign of the Iranian side hoping for an early resolution as well. This momentum should not be missed.

Both sides must work to open the Strait of Hormuz quickly. Freedom of navigation is a principle established under international law, and Iran has no authority to determine whether ships may pass through the strait. Iran must cease attacks on vessels and obstruction of passage, and guarantee safe navigation.

Trump argued that the United States does not need the Strait of Hormuz and that countries obtaining oil via the strait should take action to open it, but this is simply irresponsible. Without the U.S. military’s attacks, the blockade would not have occurred.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 3, 2026)