US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may scale down its involvement in the ongoing Iran conflict sooner than expected, even as top defence officials warn that the situation remains highly volatile.
In a telephonic interview with the New York Post, Trump said the US does not intend to maintain a prolonged presence in the region. “We’re not going to be there too much longer,” he stated, adding that American forces are currently delivering heavy strikes.
“We’re obliterating the s–t out of them right now… but we won’t have to be there much longer,” he said, while noting that some objectives are still being pursued to neutralise Iran’s offensive capabilities.
Strait Of Hormuz: Trump Urges Other Nations To Step In
Trump also downplayed concerns over disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit chokepoint, suggesting that it would reopen without significant US intervention.
He argued that countries dependent on the route should take responsibility for securing it. “Let the countries that are using the strait… go and open it,” he said, claiming that those controlling oil supplies would be incentivised to restore normalcy.
In a separate post on Truth Social, Trump took a sharper tone, urging nations like the United Kingdom to rely less on the US and take independent action. He even suggested they “get their own oil” and directly intervene if necessary.
JD Vance Echoes Short-Term Strategy
Earlier, US Vice President JD Vance also signalled a limited timeline for American involvement. Speaking in a podcast interview, Vance emphasised that Washington is not planning for a long-term military engagement.
“We are taking care of business… and we are going to be out of there soon,” he said, adding that easing tensions could help stabilise global fuel prices.
Pentagon Strikes Cautious Note
Despite these remarks, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth struck a more cautious tone during a Pentagon briefing, warning that the coming days will be critical.
“In only one month we set the terms. The upcoming days will be decisive,” Hegseth said, indicating that military operations are still at a crucial stage.
He also claimed that sustained US strikes are impacting Iran’s internal stability, citing intelligence inputs that suggest rising desertions and frustration within Iranian leadership ranks.
Conflict Remains Fluid Amid Escalating Tensions
The contrasting statements highlight a complex and evolving situation, where political messaging around a potential exit coexists with ongoing military escalation.
While the White House signals a desire to avoid long-term entanglement, developments on the ground suggest that the conflict has yet to reach a definitive turning point.