Trump says US forces to leave Iran in ‘two to three weeks’

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that American forces will withdraw from Iran within the next two to three weeks, signaling a potential end to the military campaign launched against Tehran on Feb. 28. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the administration’s primary objective—preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon—had already been achieved. “They will have no nuclear weapon. And that goal has been attained,” he stated.

Trump claims military objectives met

When asked about the timeline for ending the conflict, Trump replied: “All I have to do is leave Iran, and we’ll be doing that very soon. Maybe two weeks, maybe three.” He also asserted that US strikes had significantly weakened Iran’s military infrastructure, estimating it could take “15 to 20 years” for Tehran to recover. Regarding the Strait of Hormuz, he suggested European nations would need to manage their own security for energy shipments, saying: “We’ll be leaving very soon, and if France or some other country wants to get oil or gas, they’ll go up through the Strait. They’ll be able to fend for themselves.”

Conflict exacts heavy toll across region

The US and Israel have conducted airstrikes against Iranian targets since late February, with Iranian authorities reporting more than 1,340 fatalities. Tehran has responded with drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf states hosting American military assets. At least 13 US service members have been killed since hostilities began, according to official figures. The conflict has disrupted global energy markets and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for a significant portion of the world’s oil supply.