President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States could wind down its military campaign against Iran within weeks, even as Tehran signalled willingness to end hostilities under certain conditions,
raising questions over whether the five-week conflict in West Asia could be nearing a turning point.
The evolving messages from Washington and Tehran reflect a complex battlefield reality, where diplomacy, military escalation and geopolitical pressure are unfolding simultaneously.
Trump said the United States could conclude its military operations against Iran within “two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three,” suggesting the end of the campaign may not depend on reaching a negotiated settlement with Tehran.
“Iran doesn’t have to make a deal,” Trump said, adding that Washington could leave once it determines Iran’s nuclear capabilities have been sufficiently degraded.
Trump also said the US was “finishing the job,” while signalling that a diplomatic agreement was not essential for the withdrawal of American forces.
Soon after, the White House said Trump is scheduled to address the nation with an update on the conflict, highlighting the significance of the moment in shaping the war’s trajectory.
The war began on February 28 when US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military and nuclear-linked infrastructure under what Washington termed “Operation Epic Fury,” significantly widening regional tensions.
TEHRAN SIGNALS WILLINGNESS, SEEKS GUARANTEES
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran has the “necessary will” to end the conflict but is seeking assurances that attacks will not be repeated.
“We possess the necessary will to end this conflict, provided that essential conditions are met, especially the guarantees required to prevent repetition of the aggression,” Pezeshkian said.
Iran has also proposed its own framework in response to a US ceasefire plan, emphasising the need for commitments against future military action by Washington and Israel, AFP reported.
At the same time, Iranian officials have maintained that exchanges with the United States do not yet constitute formal negotiations, Reuters reported.
DIPLOMACY AND MILITARY BUILD-UP RUN IN PARALLEL
Despite talk of de-escalation, the United States has continued reinforcing its military presence in the region.
AP reported that thousands of additional troops, including forces from the 82nd Airborne Division, are being deployed alongside aircraft carrier strike groups and Marines.
Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has declined to rule out ground operations, saying the United States wants a deal but retains multiple military options.
The Pentagon’s approach reflects a dual-track strategy of sustaining pressure on Iran while keeping diplomatic channels open.
Meanwhile, the conflict has strained global energy markets, particularly after Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for oil supplies.
Trump has also urged allies dependent on the shipping route to take greater responsibility for securing energy supplies.
CONFLICT SPREADS ACROSS REGION
Even as diplomatic signals emerge, fighting continues across West Asia, underlining the fragility of any potential resolution.
Israeli strikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah operatives killed at least seven people and wounded 24, Reuters reported.
The war has drawn in multiple actors across the region, with missile and drone attacks affecting several countries and critical infrastructure.
Analysts note Iran continues to demonstrate resilience despite sustained strikes, maintaining its ability to conduct asymmetric attacks across the region.
ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL PRESSURES BUILD
The conflict has pushed up global oil prices and fuel costs, adding economic pressure domestically in the United States and internationally.
Public sentiment in the US is also shifting, with a Reuters/Ipsos poll finding that two-thirds of Americans favour ending involvement in the war quickly, even if Washington’s objectives are not fully achieved.
The rising costs and geopolitical uncertainty have added urgency to diplomatic efforts to find a resolution.
IS THE WEST ASIA CONFLICT NEARING AN INFLECTION POINT?
Trump’s suggestion of a possible withdrawal timeline, combined with Iran’s stated willingness to end hostilities under certain guarantees, indicates potential movement toward de-escalation.
However, continued military deployments, regional strikes and unresolved disagreements over nuclear policy and security guarantees suggest that the path to peace remains uncertain.
While both Washington and Tehran appear to be signalling openness to ending the conflict, developments on the ground indicate that the war’s outcome may depend on whether diplomacy can keep pace with events unfolding across the region.
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