United States President Donald Trump has asserted that the ongoing military conflict involving Iran is nearing its conclusion, claiming there is “virtually nothing left to strike” within the country. Speaking to US news outlet Axios, Trump emphasised that the end of the hostilities is entirely within his control, stating, “Whenever I want this to end, it will end.”
The conflict escalated on 28 February when the United States, in coordination with Israel, launched a series of air and missile strikes targeting key Iranian military positions. According to reports from Reuters and The Times of Israel, the joint operations aimed to neutralise Iran’s strategic capabilities, although both nations have largely withheld detailed accounts of specific targets and damage assessments.
Despite Trump’s confidence in a rapid resolution, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Katz provided a contrasting perspective. Speaking last Wednesday, Katz indicated that the campaign does not have a fixed timeline and will continue until all objectives of the US-Israeli joint operation are achieved. He added that the duration of the conflict is contingent on operational requirements rather than political pressure, suggesting a potentially protracted engagement.
Analysts have noted that while the initial strikes were largely successful in degrading select Iranian military assets, the full extent of Iran’s resilience and defensive response remains uncertain. Regional security experts also highlight that unilateral statements by political leaders often aim to influence public perception and morale rather than reflect real-time battlefield developments.
Key Timeline of Recent Developments
| Date | Event | Source / Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| 28 February 2026 | US and Israel launch joint strikes on Iran | Initial targets included strategic military installations |
| 6 March 2026 | Israeli Defence Minister Katz comments on open-ended conflict | Stated that operations continue until all objectives are met |
| 10 March 2026 | President Trump declares war “nearly over” | Emphasised that virtually nothing remains to strike in Iran |
The situation continues to evolve, with both Washington and Jerusalem maintaining a cautious stance. While US leadership projects optimism over a swift end, Israeli officials underscore the operational complexity of achieving all military objectives, hinting at a potentially extended campaign.