President Donald Trump has suggested that the US-led military campaign in Iran, carried out with support from Israeli forces, may conclude within the next few weeks, though he warned that fighting would intensify in the short term before any resolution is reached.
In a prime-time address from the White House, Trump portrayed the conflict as a major success, stating that the United States was “very close” to achieving its objectives in Iran. He cautioned that the coming two to three weeks would involve significantly stronger strikes, emphasizing that US forces would escalate pressure on Tehran.
The president pointed to extensive damage inflicted on Iran’s military capabilities, claiming that its missile and drone programs had been sharply weakened and that key weapons production facilities were being systematically destroyed. He described the pace and scale of this damage as unprecedented in modern conflict.
Trump acknowledged that Iran has continued limited retaliatory actions but insisted its ability to strike back has been substantially reduced. He also mentioned recent operations targeting nuclear facilities, saying much of Iran’s nuclear material had either been neutralized or buried. Reaffirming a long-standing position, he stressed that Iran would never be permitted to develop nuclear weapons.
Referencing past US policy, Trump criticized the 2015 nuclear agreement, arguing it would have endangered Israel had it remained in effect. While he said regime change was not an official objective, he suggested that losses among Iran’s leadership had effectively produced that outcome.
Addressing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil shipments, Trump urged Gulf countries to take greater responsibility for its security, while confirming that the United States would continue to provide support.
Read more: Trump Confirms Iran Ceasefire Request, Demands Hormuz Open
