Washington, Apr 1 — US President Donald Trump on Wednesday indicated that American military strikes against Iran could conclude within weeks, outlining a tentative withdrawal timeline even as hostilities persist across the region.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said US forces would be “leaving very soon,” adding the timeline could be “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.” He said troops were “finishing the job” before exiting.
The remarks come a day ahead of a scheduled presidential address, where the White House has said Trump will present a “significant update” on the conflict, which began on February 28 and has since destabilised large parts of the Middle East.
Trump said that a diplomatic agreement with Tehran is not a condition for ending operations. “They don’t have to make a deal with me,” he said, indicating the withdrawal decision would depend on the extent to which Iran’s nuclear capabilities are degraded.
“When we feel that they are… put into the stone ages and they won’t be able to come up with a nuclear weapon, then we’ll leave,” he said, signalling a military-driven endgame rather than a negotiated settlement.
In a separate remark, Trump linked a potential US exit to global energy markets. “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll come tumbling down,” he said, suggesting fuel prices could ease following withdrawal.
His comments mark a shift in tone after earlier warnings of escalation, pointing instead to a possible exit strategy.
However, military activity continues across the region. Explosions were reported in Tehran on Wednesday, while Iran-linked attacks targeted infrastructure in Gulf countries, including a drone strike that caused a fire at Kuwait’s main airport.
Tensions also persist with US allies. Trump urged countries reliant on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz to “get your own oil.” Or buy from US.