Trump Claims He Can End Ongoing U.S.–Israel Conflict With Iran “Anytime”
This week, President Donald Trump claimed he believes he can stop the US-Israel-Iran military conflict at any time. His remarks came in a Wednesday phone call with Axios reporter Barak Ravid as the war entered its 12th day.
Trump stated that military actions have damaged Iranian targets extensively. Days of unrelenting strikes have left “practically nothing left to target” in Iran, he said. When questioned about a war end date, the president said it may finish soon. He stressed that the final decision is his and that the conflict will end when he does.
Trump’s words follow past statements that seemed to set differing conflict duration expectations. He estimated the military battle would last four to five weeks at the start. Later, he admitted that events could extend the timescale much beyond that initial estimate.
The administration has also stated its conflict-end requirements. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have demanded “unconditional surrender” from Iran before the war stops. These demands reflect the administration’s objective of putting maximum pressure to deter Iran from conflict, officials say.
In an interview on CBS News’ “60 Minutes,” Hegseth defined the strategy as a direct attack on the other side. He claimed the campaign’s goal is to force the opponent to surrender. He said Iran’s leadership will decide whether to hold a surrender ceremony or not.
US military officials said the continuous operations have crippled Iran’s navy and missile and drone systems. Despite these advancements, the region remains unstable.
The Strait of Hormuz blockage has proven crucial. A critical canal for global energy supplies has been shut off, disrupting approximately 20% of daily oil imports. The embargo has worried international markets and governments that depend on energy imports through the region.
Iranian leaders have not indicated they will accept Washington’s demands, even though U.S. officials think the campaign achieved important strategic goals. Last week, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected unconditional surrender. He called the goal unachievable and suggested the US abandon it.
The remark released Tuesday by senior Iranian security official Ali Larijani heightened tensions. In a social media message during Operation Epic Fury, Larijani cautioned Trump that Iran will not be intimidated by threats. His message said Iran has faced formidable foes previously and will not be defeated by pressure or warnings.
Fighting increases the human cost of the battle. The Pentagon reports seven U.S. deaths and 140 injuries since the battle began. Regional casualties are far greater. According to Iran, Lebanon, and Israel, over 1,700 people have killed since the conflict began.
No evidence of negotiations between Washington and Tehran raises questions about how long the conflict may last. Trump believes the war can end whenever he wants, but Iran’s leadership looks unlikely to accept US requirements, making the situation dangerous in its second week.
Sources
Axios
CBS News – 60 Minutes
U.S. Department of Defense (Pentagon)
Official statements from Iranian government officials and regional authorities
