Trump says the US could end the Iran war in two to three weeks

US President Donald Trump stated that the United States could stop its military actions against Iran within two to three weeks. He mentioned that Iran does not need to reach an agreement for the conflict to come to an end. His comments highlighted the changing and sometimes inconsistent messages from Washington regarding the conclusion of the war, which has now lasted five weeks. On Tuesday, Trump told reporters at the White House, “We’ll be leaving very soon,” suggesting that the withdrawal could happen “within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three.” When asked if successful talks with Iran were necessary for the U.S. to wrap up what it calls “Operation Epic Fury,” Trump replied that it was not essential. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal, no,” he explained. “No, they don’t have to make a deal with me.” The White House later announced that Trump would speak to the nation “to provide an important update on Iran” at 9 p.m. EDT on Wednesday (0100 GMT on Thursday). Previously, Washington warned of increasing military actions if Tehran did not accept a 15-point U.S. ceasefire plan, which included key demands like Iran agreeing not to develop nuclear weapons, stopping all uranium enrichment, and fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier on Tuesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth indicated that Trump was open to negotiating a deal with Iran to end the war, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, spread throughout the region, disrupted energy supplies, and posed risks to the global economy. Hegseth noted that talks were ongoing and becoming stronger, but the U.S. was ready to continue the conflict if Iran did 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 stated in Washington.