- President Trump said the war with Iran could end soon because “there is practically nothing left to target”
- U.S. and Israeli officials say strikes may continue for at least two more weeks
- The conflict has raised global concerns due to threats to the Strait of Hormuz oil route
U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the war with Iran could end soon, claiming the military campaign has already achieved most of its objectives. In a brief phone interview, Trump suggested the conflict could conclude whenever he decides it should.
“There is practically nothing left to target,” Trump said, adding that the war could end “any time I want it to end.”
Officials Signal Fighting May Continue
Despite the president’s comments, officials from both the United States and Israel indicated that military operations may continue for some time. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the campaign will proceed without a strict timeline.
According to Katz, strikes will continue “for as long as necessary” until all strategic objectives are achieved and the campaign ends with a decisive victory.
U.S. and Israeli officials have reportedly been preparing for at least two additional weeks of operations targeting Iranian military infrastructure.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Key Flashpoint
The conflict has drawn global attention due to the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil shipping routes.
U.S. intelligence reportedly detected Iranian efforts to deploy mines in the waterway, which carries a significant portion of global oil supply. Officials said the number of mines placed so far appears to be limited.
Trump confirmed that U.S. strikes recently destroyed 16 Iranian boats believed to be involved in mine-laying operations in the region.
U.S. Military Claims Progress in the Campaign
CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said U.S. forces are continuing operations aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to threaten regional shipping and project military power.
According to Cooper, Iranian drone and missile attacks have dropped significantly following recent strikes. He added that U.S. military power in the region is increasing while Iranian operational capacity is declining.
The Pentagon’s stated mission remains focused on preventing Iran from disrupting commercial shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump Says Campaign Is Ahead of Schedule
Trump described the operation as moving faster than initially expected. He said the military had inflicted more damage than originally anticipated during what was initially projected as a six-week campaign.
The president also argued that Iran’s actions over decades contributed to the conflict, claiming the current campaign is a response to years of regional tensions.
While Trump suggested the war could end soon, officials on the ground continue preparing for additional operations as the situation in the region remains fluid.
