President Donald Trump has suggested that the war between the United States and Iran could end soon, saying American forces have already struck most available targets in the country.
In an interview with Axios on Wednesday, Trump said there was now “practically nothing left to target” in Iran, indicating that the conflict may be approaching its conclusion.
“Any time I want it to end, it will end,” the US president was quoted as saying.
Trump has given varying signals in recent days about the timeline and objectives of the military campaign, but he also suggested earlier this week that the conflict could conclude “soon.”
The war, conducted jointly with Israel, has sparked criticism within the United States, where concerns are mounting about its economic consequences and broader geopolitical impact.
The administration is facing declining domestic approval ratings and criticism that the conflict was launched without adequate preparation for potential fallout, including disruptions to global energy supplies through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Political analysts say the 79-year-old president could be seeking a swift resolution to reduce political pressure ahead of the November midterm elections that will determine control of the U.S. Congress.
Despite Trump’s comments, Israeli officials indicated that military operations could continue for as long as necessary.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, said the campaign against Iran would proceed until its objectives were fully achieved.
“This operation will continue without any time limit, as long as necessary, until we achieve all the objectives,” Katz said.
Meanwhile, Iran has warned that the conflict could escalate into a prolonged war with global economic consequences.
Ali Fadavi, an adviser to the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, said the United States and Israel should prepare for a long war of attrition.
“They should consider the possibility that they will be engaged in a long-term war of attrition that will destroy the entire American economy and the world economy,” Fadavi told Iranian state television.
Iranian forces also claimed responsibility for attacks on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including a Liberia-flagged ship and a Thai bulk carrier in the strategic maritime corridor.
