Trump signals Iran war could end in two to three weeks
President Trump told reporters the U.S. will leave Iran "very soon," estimating withdrawal within two to three weeks, and said no deal with Tehran is required.
9:46 PM
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States expects to withdraw from Iran within two to three weeks, signaling a potential near-term end to the monthlong conflict.
Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated: "I would say in about two weeks, maybe two or three, we'll leave, because there's no reason for us to do this." He added that the U.S. will depart "very soon."
Trump asserted that American military objectives in Iran have been largely achieved. He said that overnight operations destroyed "a large amount of missile-manufacturing facilities" and that the U.S. has "hit them very hard." According to Trump, Iran's military capabilities have been degraded to a point that would require 15 to 20 years to recover.
When asked whether a successful diplomatic agreement with Iran was a prerequisite for concluding what officials have called Operation Epic Fury, Trump said it was not. "Iran does not need to make a deal, no," he said. "No, they don't need to make a deal with me." He also stated that Iran wants a deal more than the United States does.
Trump linked the potential withdrawal to domestic fuel prices. When questioned about rising gasoline costs in the U.S. since the war began, he said: "All I have to do is leave Iran, and we'll do that very soon, and they will come down." He mentioned a timeframe of "two, maybe three weeks."
Trump indicated willingness to continue military operations if negotiations do not occur. "We want to absolutely eliminate everything they have. It's possible we'll reach a deal before that, because we'll attack bridges, and we've already attacked some. I have some very good bridges in mind," he said. "But if they sit down at the table, that will be good. Although it doesn't matter if they come or not."
The White House announced that Trump will deliver a prime-time address Wednesday at 9 p.m. ET "to provide an important update on Iran." White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt made the announcement on social media.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said earlier Tuesday that the "upcoming days will be decisive."
Global financial markets rallied Tuesday on renewed hopes that the conflict could move toward resolution. Wall Street rose sharply as reports suggested Washington and Tehran may be exploring paths to end the conflict.
Trump also addressed the Strait of Hormuz, saying that countries relying on Middle Eastern petroleum should be responsible for securing their own oil transit through the waterway. He specifically mentioned France and China as countries that should take on this responsibility.