A signal that strikes may be winding down, with direct US Iran contact reported, could trigger an initial relief rally in equities and a pullback in oil prices and safe haven flows after a sharp escalation. However, Trump’s comment that the option for further strikes remains open, alongside no confirmation of any resolution to the Strait of Hormuz closure, suggests markets should treat this as a potential pause rather than an end to the crisis. Confirmation that Israel was not involved in this round of strikes may also limit fears of immediate Israeli Iranian escalation, though regional risk premia are likely to stay elevated until the Hormuz situation is clarified.
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Trump tells Fox News US jets are over Iran, says Tehran asked him to stop bombing and that strikes will halt shortly, but leaves door open to more.
Summary:
- Trump told Fox News that US fighter jets are operating over the skies of Iran
- He said he had spoken directly with Iranian officials, who asked him to stop the bombing
- Trump said the bombing will stop shortly
- He left the option open for further strikes on Iran
- Trump said Israel was not involved in these strikes on Iran
US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that American fighter jets are operating over Iranian airspace, but indicated that the current wave of strikes may be nearing an end after direct contact with Tehran.
Speaking to Fox News, Trump said he had spoken directly with Iranian officials, who asked him to stop the bombing campaign. He said the bombing would stop shortly, suggesting a potential de-escalation after two days of US strikes on Iranian air defences, radar systems, drone command facilities and naval assets.
Despite signalling an imminent pause, Trump left open the possibility of further strikes on Iran, declining to rule out additional military action depending on how the situation develops.
Trump also said Israel was not involved in the current round of strikes, addressing speculation about a wider coalition effort and indicating the operation has so far been a unilateral US action.
The comments come shortly after Iran’s top military command announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to all vessels, including oil tankers and commercial ships, and after the Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy said it had struck two vessels attempting to pass through the waterway. It remains unclear whether any pause in US strikes would be accompanied by a reopening of the strait or a de-escalation of Iran’s naval posture in the Gulf.
