Trump Predicts Quick End to Iran Conflict While Israel Signals Open-Ended Campaign
The United States’ President, Donald Trump suggested on Wednesday that the military campaign against Iran could conclude “soon,” claiming that American forces have few remaining targets.
Speaking in an Axios interview, Trump emphasized that he has the authority to halt operations at any time.
“Whenever I decide, it will end,” he stated, underlining his personal control over the duration of the conflict.
Meanwhile, Israel has indicated a different approach. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz told The Times of Israel that military operations will carry on without a set timetable until all objectives are achieved.
“The operation will continue as long as necessary to secure victory,” Katz said.
Trump insisted that the war is progressing faster than expected. “We’re ahead of schedule and have caused more damage than anticipated, even beyond the initial six-week plan,” he claimed.
Despite repeated US assurances of a quick resolution, there is no clear end date for the campaign, and it remains uncertain whether Iran would honor a ceasefire declared solely by Washington.
Tehran, through President Masoud Pezeshkian, outlined conditions for halting hostilities, including reparations for the US-Israeli attacks and strong international guarantees against future assaults. Pezeshkian also reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to regional peace in discussions with leaders from Russia and Pakistan.
The conflict has disrupted commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, driving global oil prices higher. Despite repeated threats from Trump, Iran continues to control access to the waterway, attacking vessels and targeting US and Israeli assets across the region.
Attempts by the US to assure safe passage have had limited effect. While Trump has suggested escorting commercial ships, Iran has signaled readiness to confront any such action. A false social media claim by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright about a successful escort was quickly retracted, and Iranian officials accused Washington of spreading misinformation to manipulate markets
The US military warned Iranian maritime personnel to avoid military vessels in commercial ports, highlighting ongoing risks to navigation in the Gulf.
The initial US aim of promoting freedom for Iranian citizens has shifted toward neutralizing Tehran’s nuclear, missile, and drone programs, along with weakening its naval forces.
Trump has repeatedly stated that he alone will decide when these objectives are fulfilled.
Iran’s leadership also continues to show resilience. The Assembly of Experts appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as the successor to his father, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, signaling continued defiance despite the early US-Israeli strikes. Analysts and some US lawmakers have questioned how long US strikes can halt Iran’s military rebuilding, suggesting the campaign could extend indefinitely.
