US President Donald Trump has said the United States could end its military operations against Iran within two to three weeks, adding that Tehran would not necessarily need to agree to a formal deal as a condition for de-escalation.
Speaking at the White House Oval Office, Trump said the timeline for withdrawal could be “within two weeks, maybe three weeks,” indicating that US forces may soon be pulled back as the conflict enters its fifth week. His remarks highlight shifting and at times conflicting signals from Washington over how the war could conclude.
Trump also dismissed the idea that diplomatic negotiations were required to end the campaign, saying Iran does not need to make a deal with him for operations to wind down. Instead, he stated that the key objective was ensuring Iran is “put into the stone ages” and prevented from developing nuclear weapons capabilities.
The White House later confirmed that Trump is expected to address the nation with an update on Iran at 9pm EDT on Wednesday (9am Thursday, Singapore time), amid rising global attention over the war’s trajectory and possible exit strategy.
Earlier US positions had warned of intensified military action if Tehran rejected a proposed 15-point ceasefire framework, which included demands to halt uranium enrichment and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route.
Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump remained open to reaching a deal to end the conflict, which has caused thousands of deaths, disrupted global energy markets and heightened fears of broader regional instability.
According to reports, the United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist the US and allies in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, potentially through force, and is seeking a United Nations Security Council resolution to support the move. The plan reportedly includes proposals for US involvement in securing strategic islands near the waterway.
Iran, however, has maintained its defiant stance. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran has received messages from US envoy Steve Witkoff, but insisted they do not amount to formal negotiations, describing them instead as indirect communications or threats.
Tensions escalated further after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned of retaliation against major US technology and defence-linked companies operating in the region, naming firms including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing.
Trump, when asked about the threats, said he was not concerned. He also criticised NATO allies, including Britain, for what he described as insufficient support in the US-led campaign.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed similar sentiments, warning that Washington may reassess its relationships with allies after the conflict concludes, while maintaining that the US could “see the finish line” in the war.
The conflict has also widened regionally, with renewed fighting involving Israel and Hezbollah. At least seven people were killed and 24 injured in Israeli strikes near Beirut, according to Lebanon’s health ministry, while Israel said it targeted senior Hezbollah figures.
As the war intensifies, diplomatic efforts have emerged from countries including Pakistan and China, which have called for an immediate ceasefire and renewed peace talks.
The fighting has also impacted global markets, with rising oil prices pushing US gasoline above US$4 per gallon for the first time in over three years. Public sentiment appears increasingly opposed to prolonged US involvement, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll showing two-thirds of Americans favour a quicker exit even without achieving stated objectives.
