President Donald Trump announced that the United States could end their military attacks on Iran within two to three weeks. He stated that Tehran did not need to make an agreement as a prerequisite for ending the conflict.
Trump’s comments highlight the changing and sometimes contradictory statements from Washington on how the war, now in its fifth week, could come to an end. “We will be leaving very soon,” Trump said to journalists at the White House on Tuesday, specifying that the withdrawal could happen “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.”
When asked if successful diplomacy with Iran was a prerequisite for the United States to conclude what they termed “Operation Epic Fury,” Trump responded that it was not necessary. “Iran does not need to make a deal, no,” he stated. “No, they are not required to make a deal with me.”
The White House later announced that Trump would address the nation “to provide an important update on Iran” at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday).
Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said that Trump was ready to reach an agreement with Iran to end the war that has caused thousands of deaths, disrupted energy supplies, and threatened the global economy.
The United Arab Emirates are preparing to assist the U.S. and its allies in forcibly opening the Strait of Hormuz to end the effective closure of the key maritime route through which one-fifth of the world’s daily oil and liquefied natural gas supply usually transits.
The UAE seeks a resolution from the UN Security Council for this action and has suggested that the U.S. occupy strategic roles to achieve it.
As tensions escalate, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened retaliation against American companies in the region starting from Wednesday, targeting 18 companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla, and Boeing.
Trump also criticized countries like Britain for not contributing to the U.S. war effort, mentioning that the NATO relationship needs to be reevaluated once the conflict is over.
Amid ongoing conflict, Pakistan aims to mediate in the war, calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks.
The war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon has reignited, with two Israeli airstrikes in Beirut causing casualties.
The situation remains tense in the Middle East, with Syria reporting missile interceptions and attacks on Iranian facilities. The escalating conflict is impacting global oil prices and poses challenges for American households before the upcoming midterm elections. A majority of Americans believe the U.S. should strive to swiftly end its involvement in the Iran war, even if it means not achieving the goals set by the Trump administration.
