Donald Trump has set a tentative deadline on when the United States will exit Iran, as the war enters what he calls its final stretch. The US president made the announcement while addressing reporters, leaving allies scrambling and oil markets watching closely.
Donald Trump announces when US will leave Iran
According to the Guardian and BBC, Donald Trump announced US forces will leave Iran within “two or three weeks.” Trump told reporters: “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon.” He added that oil prices will then “come tumbling down.”
Trump described ongoing military operations as nearly complete. He said, “Now we’re finishing the job. I think in two weeks or maybe a few days longer, we’ll do the job. We want to knock out everything they’ve got.” His press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed Trump still held a four-to-six-week timeline, stating: “We’re on day 30, so you do the math.”
Trump also addressed the Strait of Hormuz, declaring it is not America’s responsibility. He said, “The Strait of Hormuz will go right back to normal, and they’ll be able to fend for themselves.” Trump added, “What happens in the strait, we’re not gonna have anything to do with.”
Trump placed the burden on allied nations relying on the waterway. He told reporters, “That’s not for us. That’ll be for France. That’ll be for whoever’s using the strait.” The UAE is reportedly preparing to help the US open the Strait by force, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Meanwhile, Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said no direct talks with Washington have occurred. All messages between Iran and the US have gone through intermediaries. Trump, however, told NBC News the war is “coming to an end,” saying: “We’re doing great, and it’s coming to an end.”
