President Donald Trump has signaled that the United States' military campaign against Iran is nearing its conclusion, telling news outlet Axios in an interview that there is "practically nothing left to target" and the war will end "soon."
"Any time I want it to end, it will end," Trump was quoted as saying, according to AFP news. The remarks represent the latest in a series of mixed messages from the White House regarding the conflict that began on February 28, with the president increasingly hinting at a swift conclusion as global oil prices continue to spike amid ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking to reporters as he left the White House for a trip focused on the US economy, Trump insisted that "you're going to see great safety, and it's going to be very, very quickly" in the strategic waterway.
The president claimed US forces "took out" most of Iran's mine-laying ships in "one night," though he added that he did not believe Tehran had actually placed any mines in the strait yet.
Trump doubled down on his assertions that Iran is near defeat, stating that the country's navy, air force, air defenses, and leadership are "gone." However, he cautioned that "we're not finished yet."
The comments come as accusations mount that the White House launched the war without adequately preparing for consequences, including Iran's ability to disrupt oil tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz—a chokepoint through which a quarter of the world's seaborne oil passes.
On Wednesday, Iran fired on two commercial ships in the Gulf, setting at least one vessel ablaze, while the Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for striking a Liberia-flagged vessel and a Thai bulk carrier.
Before Trump's remarks, the US military's Central Command issued a warning that it considers civilian ports in the Strait of Hormuz to be legitimate targets, alleging the Iranian government is using the facilities for military operations.
The statement read: "Iranian regime is using civilian ports along the Strait of Hormuz to conduct military operations that threaten international shipping."
Meanwhile, the United States faces scrutiny over an alleged strike on an Iranian elementary school in the war's opening hours.
The New York Times reported that a US military investigation found an American Tomahawk missile struck the school due to a targeting mistake.
When asked about the report, Trump responded: "I don't know about it."
Political analysts suggest Trump may be seeking a quick exit to protect his party from further damage ahead of November's midterm elections for control of Congress.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz struck a different tone Wednesday, stating that "this operation will continue without any time limit, as long as necessary, until we achieve all the objectives."
Iran has vowed to fight back, with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei—son of the late leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the initial strikes—remaining in power as Trump declined to comment on whether he would declare victory while the new leader continues to rule.
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