Markets
April 1, 2026
UAE Signals Entry Into Strait of Hormuz Conflict as US Weighs Exit
Global markets have reacted quickly after new comments from US President Donald Trump on the Iran war timeline. He said that the US could end its military campaign within two or three weeks. The latest timeline is shorter than what markets had been expecting. The comments come as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to affect sentiment and oil markets.
Also Read: UAE Fuel Prices Surge as Two Global Oil Chokepoints Come Under Pressure
Equities Jump as War Timeline Eases Risk Concerns
Markets across Asia and Europe saw strong gains following the remarks. Morgan Stanley Capital International, or MSCI’s broad Asia-Pacific index, rose about 4.7%. This marks its biggest one-day jump since November 2022. Meanwhile, South Korea’s KOSPI climbed as much as 9%. Japan’s Nikkei 225 gained over 5%.
European markets followed, with the STOXX 600 up around 2.3% in early trade. The latest move reflects a change in expectations. Investors had been pricing in a long conflict. This is mostly due to disruptions tied to the global oil supply and risks to shipping routes. A shorter timeline reduces some of that uncertainty. This further tends to support equities.
Meanwhile, oil markets were moving in the opposite direction. Brent crude fell from a high of $105 to a low of $98. But oil prices were seen rising yet again as a missile from Iran hit an oil tanker off Qatar’s coast. Currently, Brent crude is priced at $102.14.
Also Read: Trump Tells Allies to “Take” Oil as Strait Crisis Sends Brent Up 10%
A Look At Trump’s Statements
Speaking in the White House’s Oval Office, Trump said the US could leave “within two to three weeks.” He even noted that a formal deal with Iran is not necessary, as long as its nuclear capabilities are neutralized. He said,
“We’ll be leaving very soon. Iran doesn’t have to make a deal. No, they don’t have to make a deal with me.”
In addition, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has also said the goal remains to eliminate Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons.
Also Read: Shiba Inu Price Prediction 2026: Can SHIB’s Recent Recovery Turn Into a Sustained Rally?
