Shafaq News- Washington
US President Donald Trump on Thursday indicated that the United States could conclude its military campaign against Iran within two to three weeks, framing the war as approaching its final phase after weeks of sustained strikes.
In his first televised address since the start of operations on February 28, Trump pointed to what he described as significant battlefield gains, maintaining that the campaign’s core objectives are “very close to being achieved,” with only limited steps remaining.
Referring to “Operation Epic Fury,” he described it as having inflicted heavy losses on Iran in a short period, pointing to the destruction of much of its naval capacity, damage to its air force, declining missile and drone capabilities, and the loss of senior military commanders. He further characterized Iran as “the world’s leading state sponsor of terrorism,” presenting the campaign as necessary not only for the United States but also for what he described as the “free world.”
While stressing that regime change had not been an official objective, Trump asserted that “change has occurred” following strikes on Iran’s leadership and military infrastructure, characterizing the country’s system as “dying.”
Trump further reiterated a longstanding pledge to prevent Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, presenting the current approach as a correction of ‘’policy failures by previous US administrations.’’ He also renewed criticism of the nuclear deal reached under former President Barack Obama, describing it as flawed and warning it could have enabled Tehran to expand its nuclear arsenal.
Turning to energy, Trump indicated that the United States is now “completely independent” from the Middle East, noting that its presence in the region is aimed at supporting allies rather than securing oil supplies.
He observed that Washington does not rely on crude shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, adding that the route would reopen “naturally” once hostilities subside, while calling on countries dependent on Gulf oil to assume greater responsibility in safeguarding supply flows.