Trump signals swift exit from Iran conflict, sets two

In a striking signal that the United States may be preparing to wind down its military campaign, Donald Trump recently said Washington could exit the Iran conflict within the next two to three weeks—marking the clearest indication yet of a potential end to the month-long war that has rattled the Middle East and shaken global energy markets.

Speaking at the White House, Trump declared, “We’ll be leaving very soon,” adding that a withdrawal could happen “within two weeks, maybe three.” His remarks suggest a shift toward de-escalation, even as hostilities continue to simmer across the region.

Notably, Trump downplayed the need for a formal diplomatic agreement with Tehran, asserting that the US does not require a deal to end the conflict. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal,” he said, framing the exit instead as conditional on crippling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He maintained that the campaign would conclude only after Iran is rendered incapable of rapidly developing a nuclear weapon.

The White House later confirmed that Trump will address the nation with what it described as a “major update” on Iran, underscoring the high stakes and fluid nature of the situation.

Washington has previously warned of intensifying military operations if Tehran rejects a 15-point ceasefire framework. The proposal includes stringent demands such as a complete halt to uranium enrichment, a commitment to abandon nuclear weapons ambitions, and the full reopening of the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reiterated that Trump remains open to a negotiated resolution, even as the conflict—already blamed for thousands of deaths—continues to disrupt energy supplies and fuel fears of a broader global economic shock.

Tensions escalated further after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards reportedly threatened retaliatory strikes against major American technology and industrial giants, naming 18 companies including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing. The warning signals a potential expansion of the conflict into economic and corporate domains.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi acknowledged receiving direct messages from Washington but insisted they do not constitute formal negotiations. Speaking to Al Jazeera, he said communications have occurred—often indirectly—with US special envoy Steve Witkoff, as Tehran maintains a hardened stance on ending the war.

As geopolitical tensions persist, Trump’s timeline introduces a new variable into an already volatile equation—raising cautious hopes of de-escalation while leaving critical questions about the conflict’s endgame unanswered.