U.S. President Donald Trump announced on the morning of the 1st (local time) that Iran's "new president" had requested a ceasefire, which would be considered "when the Strait of Hormuz is open, free, and safe."

President Trump, who had previously scheduled a televised address to the nation for 9 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time) that evening, revealed his continued hardline stance against Iran in a post on Truth Social a few hours prior.

President Trump stated via Truth Social, "Iran's new president is much less radical and much more intelligent than his predecessors, and he just asked for a ceasefire with the United States!"

"We will consider a ceasefire when the Strait of Hormuz is fully open, free, and safe," he added. "Until then, we will either completely destroy Iran, or return it to the Stone Age, as they used to say!!!"

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed since Israel and the United States launched military operations against Iran, leading to soaring oil prices and a shock to the global economy.

However, recently, there has been a significant increase in the number of ships passing safely through the Strait of Hormuz, and international oil prices are showing signs of stabilization, falling back to the $100 mark. Some assessments suggest that Iran has lost control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Nevertheless, the Iranian government continues to threaten vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump has repeatedly made it clear that restoring free passage through the strait is a non-negotiable top priority.

The White House announced that President Trump would provide "important updates on Iran" in his prime-time address on the 1st.

Officials suggested that the situation in the coming days could determine whether the conflict ends or escalates.

According to various reports, President Trump believes the United States has already achieved key military objectives, including significantly weakening Iran's missile capabilities and military infrastructure.

He indicated the possibility of a swift resolution if conditions are met, stating that the conflict could end "within two weeks, three weeks at the most."

Concurrently, the U.S. administration has maintained significant military pressure on Iran.

Hundreds of U.S. special operations forces, including Navy SEALs and Army Rangers, along with Marines and airborne troops, have been deployed to the region, providing President Trump with a range of options should negotiations fail.

War Department officials are reportedly reviewing potential operations targeting Iran's nuclear facilities and oil export infrastructure, particularly Kharg Island, a vital hub for Iran's energy industry.

President Trump has also emphasized a broader shift in U.S. policy, suggesting that allies reliant on Middle Eastern oil should take greater responsibility for securing their own supply chains.

He has also presented the option of purchasing oil from the United States.

Axios reported that President Trump said on Tuesday (March 31st), "All I have to do is get out of Iran, and we will do that soon," suggesting that U.S. involvement in the region could be scaled back once objectives are met.

President Trump is announcing that a regime change has occurred in Iran. However, Iranian state broadcasters are not mentioning this, and are instead denying that the Iranian government is even negotiating with the United States.

Nevertheless, President Trump's recent remarks suggest an impending ceasefire and U.S. withdrawal, while simultaneously hinting at a massive air campaign against Iran.

President Trump's address on Wednesday night is expected to provide a clearer indication of whether a ceasefire is imminent or if the U.S. will escalate operations to secure a decisive outcome.

U.S. NNP=Sung Ku Hong, Chief Reporter / Special Correspondent NNP info@newsandpost.com