Trump says US close to completing Iran mission, vows intensified strikes

Donald Trump says the United States is nearing the end of its military campaign in Iran, while warning that some of the heaviest strikes are still to come.

In a national address, Trump defended the war effort and insisted that key objectives are almost achieved after more than a month of fighting.

Donald Trump, US President: "Our armed forces have been extraordinary. There's never been anything like it militarily. Everyone is talking about it. And tonight, I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion. We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We're going to bring them back to the Stone Ages where they belong. The United States imports almost no oil through the Hormuz Strait and won't be taking any in the future. We don't need it. We haven't needed it and we don't need it. We've beaten and completely decimated Iran. They are decimated, both militarily and economically and in every other way, and the countries of the world that do receive oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage. They must cherish it. They must grab it and cherish it. They can do it easily."

The remarks come amid continued uncertainty over the direction of the conflict, with Trump signaling both a possible endgame within weeks and further escalation through intensified strikes.

The war, which began in late February, has already had global economic repercussions. Oil prices have surged sharply, driving up the cost of fuel and basic goods worldwide, while financial markets have shown signs of volatility.

Despite Trump’s claims of progress, Iran has continued retaliatory attacks, and tensions remain high across the region, particularly around the strategic Strait of Hormuz — a key oil shipping route.

With additional U.S. troops deploying to the Middle East, questions persist over whether the conflict is nearing conclusion or entering a more dangerous phase.