Trump Says Iran Operations May Last 4–5 Weeks

US President Donald Trump on Monday said American military operations in Iran could continue for “four to five weeks” and may extend further if required.

In his first public remarks since the start of the campaign, Trump said the US military “continues to carry out large-scale combat operations in Iran.”

Duration and Scope

Speaking at a White House event that included a Medal of Honor ceremony, Trump stated that the US has the capability to sustain the operation beyond the initial timeframe.

“We have capability to go far longer than that,” he said, adding that the campaign would continue as necessary.

Trump said the decision to launch strikes was based on concerns that Iran could develop missiles capable of reaching the United States.

Stated Objectives

Outlining the goals of the operation, Trump said the campaign aims to:

• Destroy Iran’s missile capabilities

• Target naval assets

• Prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon

He claimed that several Iranian naval vessels had already been destroyed.

The President described the joint US–Israeli offensive as necessary to counter what he called an escalating threat. He also said the objective includes preventing the Iranian regime from funding armed groups beyond its borders.

Criticism of 2015 Nuclear Deal

Trump criticised the 2015 nuclear agreement negotiated during the presidency of Barack Obama. He reiterated his 2018 decision to withdraw the United States from the accord, calling it “dangerous.”

Iran had largely adhered to the agreement before the US withdrawal. After Washington exited the deal, Tehran was no longer bound by its restrictions, although it did not develop a nuclear weapon.

Trump argued that the deal would have allowed Iran to eventually acquire nuclear weapons capabilities.

Broader Context

The ongoing conflict has raised questions within the US administration about the long-term strategy and whether regime change is part of the broader objective.

Trump also asserted that there was strong support for the operation, stating that “everyone was behind us” in approving the strikes.

As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, global markets and energy supply chains are closely monitoring developments.

No official timeline has been announced for the conclusion of the operation, and US authorities have indicated that decisions will depend on evolving conditions on the ground.