President Donald Trump has given various answers on how long he expects the war in Iran to last.
America and Israel launched an attack in Iran on Saturday morning, called Operation Epic Fury, which killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Tehran launched multiple retaliatory attacks on American bases and allies across the region—although many were intercepted.
Why It Matters
Conflicting timelines from the commander in chief shape expectations for U.S. military engagement, regional risk and domestic debate over the scale and legality of the operations.
What To Know
In an interview with Axios, Trump said he had several “off ramps” following the launch of Operation Epic Fury, adding, “I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days,” and predicted Iran would take “several years to recover” from the strikes.
He told The New York Times it could last four to five weeks. “It won’t be difficult,” he said. “We have tremendous amounts of ammunition. You know, we have ammunition stored all over the world in different countries.”
But, in a video address on Sunday, Trump said the mission would continue “in full force…until all of our objectives are achieved,” warning there would “likely be more” U.S. troop deaths. He said that three U.S. military service members had been “killed in action.”
During a phone interview with The Atlantic‘s Michael Scherer on Sunday, Trump said he had “agreed” to speak with Iran‘s new leader.
“They want to talk, and I have agreed to talk, so I will be talking to them,” the president said, adding that he couldn’t tell Scherer when that conversation might take place.
Iran’s security chief Ali Larijani, in a post on X on Monday, said there were no plans of talks.
What People Are Saying
Trump told Axios: “I can go long and take over the whole thing, or end it in two or three days and tell the Iranians: ‘See you again in a few years if you start rebuilding [your nuclear and missile programs].’”
“In any case, it will take them several years to recover from this attack,” he added.
Trump said in his video address about the American soldiers who died: “As one nation we grieve for the true American patriots who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, even as we continue the righteous mission for which they gave their lives.”
What Happens Next
Trump’s public signals range from a rapid wrap-up to a monthlong campaign, while he has simultaneously said he is open to talks and vowed continued operations, leaving the duration dependent on battlefield developments and any diplomatic outreach.
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