Trump says US military will stay in Gulf for 'a while'

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States military will maintain its presence in the Gulf region for "a while" following the conclusion of a ceasefire agreement with Iran, declining to specify a timeline for withdrawal as officials from both nations prepare to formalize the truce. Speaking to reporters after landing in Paris, Trump addressed questions regarding the duration of the American military commitment. "Good question. We haven't thought of it. But probably a while," the president said, according to Anadolu Agency.

Ceasefire terms

The memorandum of understanding signed electronically on Sunday includes provisions for ending military operations on all fronts and reopening the Strait of Hormuz — a vital chokepoint for global energy shipments — while establishing a framework for negotiations on Iran's nuclear program linked to sanctions relief. Officials initially scheduled the formal signing ceremony for Friday in Switzerland, though Trump suggested the event could occur within 48 hours at a yet-to-be-determined site.

"It's in final form. We haven't determined," the president said regarding the venue, adding that diplomats would finalize the location before the weekend.

Nuclear timeline

Trump stated that he does not consider the 60-day negotiating period a hard deadline for reaching a comprehensive final agreement on Tehran's nuclear activities. The temporary ceasefire aims to create space for diplomats to address long-standing disputes over enrichment capabilities and ballistic missile stockpiles without the immediate threat of renewed hostilities.

Regional missile balance

Addressing concerns about Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, Trump defended the principle of regional parity in military armaments. "I'm saying if other countries have them, it's a little bit unfair for them to not have some," he said, referring to existing arsenals held by Gulf neighbors. "But if Saudi Arabia and Qatar, and they all have some, I would say in relative proportion, I think it's okay," Trump added, suggesting Tehran might retain certain weapons systems as part of any final settlement.