US President Donald Trump has asserted that the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran could conclude “soon,” citing extensive damage inflicted on Iranian targets and claiming there is “practically nothing left” for American forces to strike. In an interview with Axios published on Wednesday, Trump declared, “Any time I want it to end, it will end,” while describing the campaign as progressing well ahead of schedule. He noted that the military operation had exceeded expectations, inflicting greater destruction than anticipated even within the initial projected timeframe.
Trump’s optimistic assessment contrasted with statements from Israeli officials, who indicated a more indefinite commitment. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, quoted by The Times of Israel, emphasized that “the operation will continue without any time limit, as long as required, until we accomplish all objectives and achieve victory in the campaign.”
The conflict, now in its second week, has seen US and Israeli airstrikes target Iranian military infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, missile production sites, drone capabilities, and naval assets. The campaign has evolved from initial aims of promoting “freedom” in Iran to focusing on dismantling its advanced weaponry programs. Strikes have reportedly killed over 1,300 people in Iran, with thousands of bombs dropped on various sites.
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Iran has responded aggressively, maintaining a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global oil chokepoint—while launching drones and missiles toward Israel and targeting US interests and energy facilities across the region. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian outlined conditions for halting hostilities, demanding compensation for damages from the US-Israeli assault and binding international assurances against future attacks.
Additional developments highlighted ongoing tensions. Iran’s Assembly of Experts recently appointed Mojtaba Khamenei as successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in strikes on February 28. Trump declined to comment directly on the leadership transition when questioned. Meanwhile, US Central Command warned Iranian personnel to avoid military assets in civilian ports, amid reports of Iranian naval forces positioning equipment there.
Conflicting signals emerged from Washington, including a deleted post by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright claiming a Navy escort through the Strait of Hormuz, later clarified as inaccurate by the White House. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused US officials of spreading misinformation to influence markets.
The war has disrupted global oil supplies, driving price surges and economic concerns. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, following a classified briefing, expressed skepticism about achieving lasting results, questioning whether repeated strikes would prevent Iran from rebuilding its capabilities and lead to a prolonged engagement.
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