Trump says "I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days"-Axios
TL;DR
President Trump outlines a dual strategy on Iran: quick military action or a prolonged campaign to dismantle its nuclear and missile programs. This approach risks global oil market disruptions and regional instability, with negotiations ongoing to avoid escalation.
Trump says "I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days"-Axios
Trump’s Iran Strategy and Geopolitical Risks for Global Markets
U.S. President Donald Trump has outlined a dual approach to the escalating conflict with Iran, stating he can either "end it in two or three days" through military action or pursue a prolonged campaign to "take over the whole thing," according to Axios. This rhetoric follows Trump's recent declaration of "major combat operations" against Iran, aimed at dismantling its nuclear program and missile capabilities. The president emphasized the need to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, citing decades of Iranian aggression and support for proxy groups like Hamas according to his statement.
The U.S. military's reported operations include targeting Iran's missile infrastructure, naval forces, and regional proxies, with Trump asserting, "We're going to annihilate their navy" and "raze their missile industry to the ground" as detailed in his remarks. However, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine has advised caution, warning that a military campaign could risk entanglement in a protracted conflict according to Iran International. Despite this, Trump has directed envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff to continue negotiations with Tehran, stating he wants to "exhaust all avenues" before escalating further as reported.
The financial implications of Trump's strategy are significant. Sudden military escalation could disrupt global oil markets, given Iran's influence over key shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz. Prolonged conflict may also strain defense budgets and trigger sanctions that ripple through energy and trade sectors. Conversely, a swift resolution could stabilize markets but might lead to abrupt shifts in regional power dynamics, affecting investment flows in the Middle East and beyond.
Investors are closely monitoring diplomatic developments, particularly the outcomes of Kushner and Witkoff's talks with Iranian representatives. The administration's emphasis on minimizing U.S. casualties while maximizing pressure on Iran suggests a hybrid approach, blending military posturing with conditional negotiations. Analysts caution that geopolitical volatility remains a key risk for global equities, commodities, and currency markets in the near term according to analysis.
As the situation unfolds, financial professionals are advised to assess scenario-based risks, including oil price shocks, sanctions impacts, and potential shifts in U.S. foreign policy. The coming weeks will likely determine whether Trump's dual-path strategy leads to de-escalation or deeper regional instability.
According to Axios: Axios, 2026 as detailed in his remarks: Iran International, 2026 according to analysis: Axios, 2026.
