US-Iran War: Day 32 — Trump Says Conflict Could End in Weeks as Hormuz Remains Closed
The US-Israel war against Iran entered its 32nd day on 1 April 2026, with President Donald Trump claiming the conflict could end within two to three weeks while Iran's foreign minister insisted Tehran is prepared to fight for at least six months — a stark divergence in expectations that has left global energy markets in a state of sustained uncertainty.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with Iran imposing tolls on passing ships payable in Chinese yuan, and oil prices holding above $100 per barrel — levels not seen since July 2022. The closure of the strait, through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil passes, has sent shockwaves through global energy markets and is driving a cost of living crisis across Europe and beyond.
Background
The conflict began on 28 February 2026, following US and Israeli military strikes targeting Iran's nuclear and military infrastructure. The war has drawn in regional actors including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen, and has caused significant civilian casualties and infrastructure damage across the region. The strikes were launched following months of escalating tensions over Iran's nuclear programme, with the US and Israel concluding that diplomatic options had been exhausted.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most strategically critical waterways, connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Approximately 20% of global oil trade and 25% of global liquefied natural gas trade passes through the strait, making its closure a significant shock to global energy supply chains. The International Monetary Fund has warned that the war is causing higher prices and slower global growth, particularly affecting energy importers in Europe, where households are already facing elevated energy costs.
The UK Maritime Trade Operations has received 26 reports of incidents affecting vessels in and around the Arabian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz since the war began, underscoring the direct threat the conflict poses to British shipping and trade interests.
Key Developments
US Central Command released footage showing precision munitions striking underground military targets in Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the US has destroyed Iran's navy, air force, and a significant portion of its missile capabilities, and is ahead of schedule in achieving its military objectives. Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi rejected any deadlines set by adversaries, stating that Iran would defend itself for as long as necessary.
The Iranian Health Ministry reported 2,076 people killed and 26,500 injured, while independent news agency HRANA put the death toll at 3,519, including 1,212 military personnel and 1,598 civilians. US forces have sustained 15 soldiers killed and 348 military personnel wounded. Lebanon has seen 1,238 killed and 3,543 injured, including two UN peacekeepers killed by Israeli attacks — prompting France to call an emergency UN Security Council meeting.
Iran has threatened to attack 17 American technology companies, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Tesla, if more Iranian leaders are killed. A Kuwaiti oil tanker in Dubai waters was struck by an Iranian drone, and a missile from Iran reportedly hit an oil tanker off Qatar's coast. The escalating attacks on commercial shipping have raised fears of a broader disruption to global trade that could dwarf the impact of the Red Sea crisis of 2023-24.
Why It Matters
The conflict has significant implications for the UK and Ireland, with rising energy prices threatening household budgets and supply chains. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has chaired emergency Cobra meetings and pledged to use every available tool to shield British families from soaring energy costs, announcing £53 million in targeted support for households reliant on heating oil. The IMF has warned of higher prices and slower global growth, particularly for energy importers in Europe, and UK government borrowing costs have risen as a result of the conflict.
Trump is scheduled to address the US nation with an important update on Iran, which could signal a shift in the conflict's trajectory. Indirect diplomatic communications are ongoing through intermediaries, though Iran has rejected a 15-point US proposal as largely excessive, unrealistic, and unreasonable. The prospect of a negotiated settlement remains distant, with both sides publicly committed to their stated objectives.
Local Impact
For households across the UK and Ireland, the Iran war is not a distant geopolitical abstraction — it is being felt directly in rising fuel bills, higher food prices, and increased costs for businesses dependent on global supply chains. In Northern Ireland, where heating oil remains the primary fuel source for a significant proportion of homes — particularly in rural areas — the impact of oil prices above $100 per barrel has been acute. Community groups and advice centres in Belfast and across the North have reported a surge in calls from households struggling to afford heating costs, with many families facing difficult choices between heating and eating as the conflict drags on.
What's Next
Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is expected to take significant time even if fighting ends, due to high shipping insurance costs and reluctance among maritime workers to return to the region. The UK government has not ruled out broader energy bill support if costs remain elevated when the price cap is reviewed in summer 2026. Follow Al Jazeera's live coverage of the conflict and read The Guardian's in-depth Iran war coverage.
