Trump Signals End of U.S. Military Campaign Against Iran as Markets Rally

President Donald Trump announced that the United States is nearing the conclusion of its high-intensity military operation against Iran, known as "Operation Epic Fury." In a Truth Social post, Trump outlined five specific conditions that would trigger a strategic wind-down of the campaign, citing significant progress in degrading Tehran's military capabilities and dismantling its defense industrial base.

Financial markets responded immediately to the news. An S&P 500-tracking ETF climbed 0.9% in after-hours trading as investors began unwinding the regional "war premium" built into asset prices, signaling growing confidence in a potential de-escalation.

Trump's exit framework centers on the complete neutralization of Iran's military threat, including the full elimination of its naval forces, air capabilities, and anti-aircraft systems. The President also stressed the importance of permanently blocking Iran from advancing its nuclear enrichment program, ensuring the U.S. retains the capacity to respond swiftly and decisively to any future atomic ambitions.

Protecting key regional allies — Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE — remains a top priority under the administration's security doctrine. Trump also introduced a notable shift in Strait of Hormuz policy, arguing that since the U.S. is no longer heavily dependent on the waterway for its own energy needs, nations that rely on it should shoulder the primary responsibility for securing it. Washington would offer support only if requested, reflecting a broader pivot toward energy independence through domestic shale production.

For global investors and energy markets, this transition from active combat operations to a regional guardianship model represents a defining geopolitical inflection point. Attention now shifts from immediate military risk to the longer-term structural costs of maintaining stability across one of the world's most strategically vital shipping corridors.