Dow closes up 1,000 points as Trump signals possible off-ramp from Iran war

ABC News
March 31, 2026
3 min read

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Stock market rises as Trump suggests Iran conflict may end without disrupting Strait of Hormuz.

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President Trump suggested that a potential end to the Iran conflict would not require closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil chokepoint, prompting stock markets to rally on reduced geopolitical risk. Trump publicly urged other nations to secure the waterway themselves rather than allowing Iran to control it, signaling a shift in how the administration might approach resolution of regional tensions. The Dow's gain reflects investor relief that oil supplies and shipping routes may remain uninterrupted despite ongoing U.S.-Iran hostilities. The Strait of Hormuz handles roughly one-third of global maritime petroleum trade, making its accessibility crucial to energy prices and economic stability worldwide. Trump's comments suggest the administration is considering a settlement path that avoids the kind of broader regional disruption that typically accompanies major Middle East escalations.

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