US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that Washington could end its military campaign against Iran within the next two to three weeks, signalling a possible end to the month-long conflict that has roiled the Middle East and disrupted global energy markets.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said, "We'll be leaving very soon," adding that the withdrawal could happen "within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three," news agency Reuters quoted. The remarks marked his clearest indication yet that the US is preparing to wind down the operation.
Trump also said a diplomatic agreement with Tehran was not necessary for the US to end the conflict. "Iran doesn't have to make a deal, no," he said, adding, "No, they don't have to make a deal with me."
Instead, he said the campaign would end only after Iran had been "put into the stone ages" and no longer had the ability to quickly develop a nuclear weapon. "Then we'll leave," Trump said.
The White House later said Trump would address the nation at 9 pm on Wednesday (6.30 am Thursday IST) to provide what it called an important update on Iran.
Washington has previously warned that military operations could be intensified if Tehran refuses to accept a 15-point US ceasefire proposal. Key demands in the framework included a commitment by Iran not to pursue nuclear weapons, a complete halt to uranium enrichment and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said President Trump remained open to a deal with Iran to bring an end to the war, which has killed thousands, spread across the region, disrupted energy supplies and raised fears of a global economic shock.
The statement comes after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have threatened to target major US technology and industrial companies from April 1, in what they describe as retaliation for attacks on Iranian territory, according to state media reports.
The statement named 18 companies, including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing, warning that their regional operations could be hit.
Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said he is receiving direct messages from the US, but insisted they do not amount to negotiations, as Tehran hardens its stance on ending the war.
Speaking to Al Jazeera, Araghchi said communications have taken place with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, though often indirectly.
