How Long Will the War Last?

President Donald J. Trump attends the Memphis Safe Task Force roundtable on public safety at Tennessee Air National Guard Base, Tennessee on Monday, March 23, 2026. (Official White House photo by Molly Riley)

How long will the war in the Persian Gulf last? That’s the question on everyone’s mind. The market isn’t sure as announcements of peace talks and progress on negotiations are regularly interrupted by new waves of attacks from both sides. President Trump announced on Truth Social that he would pause on his threat to destroy Iranian power infrastructure until April 6, writing:

As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP

Despite that, attacks continue between Israel and Iran, and Israel’s defense minister has promised that its attacks on Iran will “escalate and expand.”

In response to the mixed signals, oil prices have been volatile. Prices closed up at $92.10/barrel last night and are now trading at nearly $97/barrel this morning.

Action Line: Investors should avoid making rash decisions in the face of market volatility. If you have a diversified portfolio and a solid plan that takes your risk tolerance into account, you’re prepared for some volatility. If not, and you’re looking to build a portfolio of individual securities, email me at ejsmith@yoursurvivalguy.com. And click here to subscribe to my free monthly Survive & Thrive letter.

Originally posted on Your Survival Guy