Donald Trump said on Tuesday that US military operations in Iran could conclude “very soon,” suggesting a timeline of roughly two to three weeks as his administration continues diplomatic discussions with Iranian officials alongside ongoing aerial strikes.
Speaking at a White House event, Trump addressed concerns over rising fuel prices since the conflict began on February 28. He indicated that a withdrawal of US forces could have immediate consequences for Iran’s stability.
“All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon, and they’ll become tumbling down,” he said.
Trump added that the campaign was nearing completion, stating, “We’re finishing the job, and I think within maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer, to do the job.”
The president also stressed that ending US operations would not depend on reaching a formal agreement with Iran, despite escalating tensions that have effectively disrupted tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
“They don’t have to make a deal with me,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office after signing an executive order targeting mail-in voting, which he has repeatedly claimed—without evidence—is prone to fraud.
“When we feel that they are, for a long period of time, put into the stone ages and they won’t be able to come up with a nuclear weapon, then we’ll leave,” he said.
“Whether we have a deal or not, it’s irrelevant.”
‘Get Your Own Oil’
Trump also renewed calls for other nations to secure their own energy supplies, urging them to independently access oil through the Strait of Hormuz after several US allies declined to provide military support to safeguard tanker routes.
“If France or some other country wants to get oil or gas, they’ll go up through the Hormuz Strait, they’ll go right up there, and they’ll be able to fend for themselves,” he said.
“What happens with the strait we’re not going to have anything to do with, because these countries, China, China will go up and they’ll fuel up their beautiful ships… and they’ll take care of themselves. There’s no reason for us to do it.”
In a post on Truth Social earlier in the day, Trump reiterated the message, telling countries facing fuel shortages to “go get your own oil” in the Strait of Hormuz.
“The U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!”
Meanwhile, Pete Hegseth echoed the administration’s stance during a press conference, emphasising that responsibility for securing the vital shipping route should be shared.
“It’s not just our problem set, going forward, even though we have done the lion’s share of preparation to ensure that that strait will be open,” Hegseth said.
He added that the coming days in the conflict would be critical, while declining to rule out the potential deployment of US ground forces.
“The upcoming days will be decisive. Iran knows that, and there’s almost nothing they can militarily do about it,” he said.
Hegseth also revealed that he had recently made an unannounced visit to US troops involved in operations in the region, under the command of United States Central Command.
“We were on the ground in CENTCOM on Saturday for about half the day. For reasons of operational security, so those troops are not targeted, the places and bases will not be named,” he said.
