US President Donald Trump’s Iran ceasefire pitch may be aimed at buying time for military mobilisation in the Gulf, strategic experts told CNBC-TV18, even as oil markets remain volatile and conflict risks persist.
Adam Dixon of Panmure House said Trump’s messaging must be viewed cautiously, noting, “in any conflict, there is always going to be propaganda from both sides,” adding that the US President is also “trying… to manage market signals” while withholding details of his plans. He pointed out the timing of the announcement, made as oil prices crossed $100 and ahead of market opening, suggesting it could help “buy more time for the USS Tripoli to reach the Gulf area”.
Strategic affairs expert Brahma Chellaney said Trump may have “effectively bought more time for himself,” warning that military assets could be positioned in the region by the end of the pause, calling it a potential “ploy”.
Meanwhile, Yesar Al-Maleki, Gulf Analyst at MEES said oil markets remain headline-driven, with traders struggling to price in risks. “The market remains driven by sentiment… extremely volatile and uncertain,” he said, adding that ceasefire terms between the US and Iran remain far apart, keeping the region on edge.
First Published: Mar 24, 2026 7:54 PM IS
