US2 min(s) read
Published 16:51 11 Mar 2026 GMT
Trump issues major update on when Iran war will end
President Donald Trump has issued a significant update on the ongoing conflict with Iran, suggesting that the war could conclude sooner than many expected.
Trump told Axios that the bombing campaign against Iran would come to a close "soon," emphasizing that there was "practically nothing left to target."
He further asserted that he could end the war whenever he chose, noting that the U.S. military had caused more damage than originally anticipated.
The president referred to the campaign as "payback" for what he described as Iran's 47 years of "death and destruction."
The U.S. has been actively engaged in this conflict, having struck over 5,000 targets and sunk more than 50 Iranian vessels. Despite Trump's remarks, other military leaders have expressed differing views.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth contradicted the president's optimistic tone, declaring that the U.S. involvement in the war was "only just the beginning," CBS News reports.
He further stated that the U.S. was "crushing the enemy," while General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, described the ongoing strikes in harsh terms, indicating a prolonged commitment to the conflict.
Trump's statement on the war's progress
Trump's statement about the war’s potential end came amid reports of rising hostilities. The fighting has been concentrated in strategic regions such as the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil supply.
The conflict has contributed to soaring oil prices and global economic tensions. The U.S. and Israel's coordinated strikes have intensified, with reports of military actions targeting Iranian assets across the region.
While Trump's optimism about concluding the war soon stands in contrast to some military officials' assessments, it is clear that the situation remains volatile. International agencies have noted that the situation could escalate further, and the long-term impact on global energy markets remains uncertain.
Conflicting views on the future of the war
In stark contrast to Trump's assertions, the Pentagon remains cautious about declaring victory or bringing the conflict to a close. U.S. defense officials, including Hegseth, have framed the operations as an ongoing process rather than a near-completion.
Meanwhile, the ongoing escalation in the region continues to fuel concerns, particularly regarding the security of shipping lanes and the broader geopolitical consequences.
With Trump suggesting that the war could end at his discretion, many are left wondering how much longer the fighting will continue and what the final resolution might look like.