President Donald Trump stated the United States could conclude its military operations against Iran within two to three weeks, adding that a deal with Tehran is not a prerequisite for ending the conflict.
Shifting Statements from Washington
The remarks underscored fluctuating statements from Washington regarding a potential end to the five-week-long war. Trump told reporters at the White House that the US exit could occur “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.”
When questioned about whether successful diplomacy with Iran was necessary for the US to wind down “Operation Epic Fury,” Trump responded, “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal, no. No, they don’t have to make a deal with me.” The White House announced Trump will address the nation “to provide an important update on Iran” at 2am Irish time tomorrow.
Defence Secretary on Potential Deal
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Trump is open to a deal with Iran to end the war, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, disrupted energy supplies, and threatened the global economy. He stated that talks are ongoing and gaining momentum, but the US remains prepared to continue military action if Iran does not comply.
“We have more and more options, and they have less … in only one month we set the terms, the upcoming days will be decisive,” Hegseth said.
Iranian Threats and US Response
Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a new threat against US companies in the region, listing 18 businesses – including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing – as potential targets starting at 4.30pm Irish time. Trump expressed no concern regarding these threats, stating, “They don’t have much left to threaten.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi indicated he has been receiving direct messages from US special envoy Steve Witkoff, but clarified these do not constitute formal “negotiations,” describing them as threats or exchanged views delivered through “friends.”
International Reactions and Conflict Expansion
Trump criticised countries that have not supported the US war effort, such as Britain, suggesting they should purchase energy from the US or “go to the strait and just TAKE IT.” France and Italy have reportedly opposed some US-Israeli military operations, exposing divisions within NATO.
The war has also reignited conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. At least seven people were killed and 24 wounded in Israeli strikes in the Beirut area, targeting vehicles in the southern outskirts and just south of the capital. Israel’s military stated the strikes targeted senior Hezbollah commanders.
Military Strikes and Mediation Efforts
US General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, reported that the US military continues to strike key manufacturing and research sites and has destroyed over 150 Iranian naval vessels. Pakistan is seeking to mediate in the war, with the foreign ministers of China and Pakistan calling for an immediate ceasefire and peace talks.
Heavy strikes were reported in Beirut, with Syrian state television reporting Israeli air defences intercepting Iranian missiles. A weather station in the Iranian port of Bushehr was damaged in US-Israeli attacks.
Economic Impact and Public Opinion
Higher oil and fuel prices are impacting US household finances and pose a political challenge for Trump and the Republican Party ahead of the November midterm elections. The US national average retail price of gasoline has surpassed $4 a gallon for the first time in over three years. A Reuters/Ipsos poll found that two-thirds of Americans believe the US should work to end its involvement in the Iran war quickly, even if it means not achieving the administration’s initial goals.
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