US President Donald Trump has indicated that the American military campaign against Iran could be wrapped up within the next two to three weeks, offering the first real sign of an exit strategy for a month-long conflict that has destabilised the Middle East. Speaking from the White House on Tuesday, Trump was uncharacteristically specific about the timeline, suggesting a withdrawal could occur "very soon" — potentially within twenty-one days — according to reports from Reuters.
In a notable shift in rhetoric, the President asserted that a formal diplomatic deal with Tehran is not a prerequisite for ending the offensive. "Iran doesn't have to make a deal, no," he remarked, clarifying that the conclusion of the campaign is contingent instead on military objectives. Trump stated that the US would only depart once Iran’s ability to "quickly develop a nuclear weapon" had been dismantled, using characteristically blunt language to describe the level of degradation intended for the country's infrastructure.
The White House has since announced that the President will address the nation at 9 pm on Wednesday (6.30 am Thursday IST) to provide what is being billed as a significant update on the situation. This comes after Washington had demanded that Tehran commit to a 15-point ceasefire proposal. The framework would have required Iran to permanently give up its nuclear ambitions, stop all uranium enrichment, and fully open the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.
While Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth maintains that the administration remains open to a settlement, the ground remains volatile. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard has issued a chilling counter-threat, naming 18 major US technology and industrial firms — including the likes of Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Boeing — as potential targets for retaliation starting from April 1. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that while "direct messages" are being received from US envoy Steve Witkoff, Tehran does not yet consider these communications to be formal negotiations, maintaining a hardened stance as the war of nerves enters a critical new phase.
Also read: Trump willing to end war even if Hormuz remains shut: Sources
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