United States President, Donald Trump, on Wednesday suggested that the ongoing war between the United States and Iran could end soon, saying there are few remaining military targets in the country.
Speaking in an interview with Axios, Trump said there was “practically nothing left to target” in Iran and indicated that the conflict could end quickly if he decides.
“Any time I want it to end, it will end,” Trump was quoted as saying.
The war, which reportedly began on February 28, has triggered rising tensions in the Middle East and pushed global oil prices higher, largely due to fears that Iran could disrupt shipping routes through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Trump has sent mixed signals about the timeline and objectives of the military campaign but has increasingly hinted at a swift conclusion to the conflict.
The situation escalated further on Wednesday when Iranian forces reportedly fired on two commercial ships in the Gulf, setting at least one vessel on fire.
Speaking to reporters before leaving the White House for a trip focused on the US economy, Trump assured that security in the vital shipping corridor would improve quickly.
“You’re going to see great safety, and it’s going to be very, very quickly,” he said.
Trump also claimed that US forces had destroyed most of Iran’s mine-laying ships “in one night,” although he added that he did not believe Tehran had yet deployed mines in the waterway.
The US president further said Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened, claiming that the country’s navy, air force, air defenses, and top leadership were “gone.” However, he emphasized that the operation was not yet over.
“We’re not finished yet,” Trump added.
According to US officials, the goals of the campaign include preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and dismantling its ballistic missile program.
The administration has not officially stated that regime change is among its objectives, despite the reported killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. Trump declined to comment on whether he would declare victory while the late leader’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, remains in power as the new supreme leader.
Earlier on Wednesday, the US military’s United States Central Command warned that civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz could be considered legitimate military targets, accusing the Iranian government of using them for military operations that threaten international shipping.
The United States has also faced criticism after allegations emerged that an American missile strike hit an Iranian elementary school during the early hours of the war.
According to a report by The New York Times, a US military investigation found that a Tomahawk missile struck the school due to a targeting mistake. Trump said he was unaware of the report when asked by journalists.
Meanwhile, speculation is growing that Trump could seek a rapid end to the conflict amid political pressure ahead of upcoming congressional midterm elections.
However, Israel Katz said Israel would continue military operations without a time limit until all objectives are achieved.
Iran, on its part, has vowed to retaliate. On Wednesday, the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed responsibility for strikes on a Liberia-flagged vessel and a Thai bulk carrier in the Hormuz maritime chokepoint.
The developments underscore the fragile security situation in one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes.
