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Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump offered an optimistic but vague timeline for the end of the conflict, which is already in its third week. Asked whether hostilities could end this week, the President initially said, 'Yeah, sure,' before clarifying moments later that he did not expect an immediate conclusion.
US President Donald Trump presented an optimistic but vague timeline for the end of the ongoing war. (AP photo)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Mar 17, 2026 04:56 IST
US President Donald Trump said Monday that the war with Iran could end "soon," though he suggested the conflict is unlikely to wrap up within the current week.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump offered an optimistic but vague timeline for the end of the conflict, which is already in its third week.
Asked whether hostilities could end this week, the President initially said, "Yeah, sure," before clarifying moments later that he did not expect an immediate conclusion.
"I don’t think so. But it’ll be soon. Won't be long," Trump said.
"We're gonna have a much safer world when it's wrapped up," he added. "It'll be wrapped up soon."
RETALIATORY STRIKES ACROSS THE REGION
Trump also addressed Iran’s retaliatory attacks across the Middle East following the February 28 US-Israeli strikes. Tehran has launched strikes targeting several countries in the region, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait.
Asked whether he had been surprised by Iran targeting neighbouring Gulf states, Trump said intelligence officials did not anticipate such attacks. "The greatest experts — nobody thought they were going to hit," he said, adding that several of the countries struck had maintained relatively neutral relations with Iran.
TRUMP ON HORMUZ SECURITY EFFORT
"There are a couple. We'll be announcing some names soon," the leader said. He noted that several allies have so far been reluctant to help escort ships through the waterway, which accounts for the transit of roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes daily.
"What does surprise me is they're not eager to help," Trump said, arguing that countries heavily dependent on oil shipments through the strait should be more supportive of US efforts.
EUROPE RULES OUT EXPANDING NAVAL ROLE
Meanwhile, European leaders have also been cautious about expanding their military role in the conflict.
Foreign ministers from European Union member states discussed options to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz but ultimately decided against expanding their naval operations.
"This is not Europe’s war," said Kaja Kallas, the European Union’s top diplomat. However, she added that Europe’s interests remain directly affected by disruptions to global energy supplies.
200 US TROOPS WOUNDED
Meanwhile, the Pentagon said around 200 US service members have been injured during operations linked to the conflict across several countries in the region.
According to US Central Command spokesperson Timothy Hawkins, most of the injuries have been minor, and more than 180 troops have already returned to duty.
Thirteen US service members have been killed in action since the start of the campaign.
- Ends
(With inputs from agencies)
Published On:
Mar 17, 2026 04:56 IST
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