Trump: Will Iran Conflict End in Days? Two Options on the Table
The escalation of conflict between Iran and Israel, following reciprocal attacks on Saturday, , has left the region bracing for further instability. While the immediate aftermath saw a flurry of military action, US President Donald Trump has suggested a relatively swift resolution may be possible, while simultaneously outlining a more protracted scenario. The situation remains fluid, with analysts warning of potential regional expansion.
In a telephone interview with Axios, President Trump indicated two potential paths forward. “I can go all in and just take the whole thing over, or I can end it in two or three days and notify the Iranians, ‘We’ll observe you in a few years if you start rebuilding [your nuclear and missile programs],’” he reportedly said. Trump further asserted, “They’re going to be recovering from this attack for years, definitely.”
The attacks initiated by the United States and Israel targeted Iranian military infrastructure, though specific details remain limited. In response, Iran launched retaliatory strikes against multiple US military installations in the region, according to reports. The precise extent of the damage and any casualties on either side have not been independently confirmed.
The current crisis builds upon decades of simmering tensions between Iran and Israel, punctuated by proxy conflicts and covert operations. The ceasefire that ended the Twelve-Day War in June 2025, mediated by the United States and Qatar, had offered a fragile respite, but underlying issues related to Iran’s nuclear program, regional influence, and support for non-state actors remained unresolved.
The recent escalation follows a period of heightened anxiety stemming from the exchanges between Iran and Israel, including the Iranian strikes on the Weizmann Institute of Science and Israeli strikes on Evin prison. These incidents, alongside broader regional conflicts such as the ongoing war in Gaza and the activities of Hezbollah in Lebanon, have contributed to a volatile security environment.
According to US government officials cited by CNN, the current operation could extend over days or even weeks. The “Jerusalem Post” reported, citing sources in both Israeli and US governments, that the attacks on Iran are expected to continue for at least a week. This suggests a deliberate and sustained campaign aimed at degrading Iran’s military capabilities.
Analysts warn that the conflict risks expanding beyond a direct confrontation between Iran, and Israel. Ali Vaez, a senior analyst at the Crisis Group, cautioned on X (formerly Twitter) that Iranian retaliation is likely to be asymmetric and multi-faceted. “If Hezbollah fully joins from Lebanon, if militias attack US bases in Iraq and Syria, or if the Houthis escalate in the Red Sea, this is no longer a bilateral conflict but a regional war engulfing the Middle East,” Vaez stated.
The potential for wider regional involvement is significant. The Houthis in Yemen, who have repeatedly launched attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, are aligned with Iran. Hezbollah, a powerful Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, maintains a substantial military presence in southern Lebanon and could potentially open a second front against Israel. US military bases in Iraq and Syria have also been targeted by Iran-backed militias in the past, raising the prospect of further attacks.
Adding to the complexity, President Trump claimed that Iranian leaders, including Ali Khamenei, Mohammed Pakpur, and Ali Schamchani, had been killed in the attacks. While these claims have not been independently verified, they underscore the severity of the situation and the potential for a significant leadership vacuum within Iran. The reported death of Defense Minister Asis Nasirsadeh further complicates the picture.
Prior to the recent attacks, Oman had been engaged in mediation efforts between the US and Iran, focusing primarily on Iran’s nuclear program. However, these negotiations reportedly failed to yield any substantial breakthroughs. The core issue remains Iran’s pursuit of nuclear technology, which Israel and the United States view as an existential threat. The US has repeatedly stated its commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon, a position echoed by President Trump’s assertion that “this regime will soon learn that no one should challenge the strength and might of the United States Armed Forces.”
The coming days will be critical in determining the trajectory of this escalating conflict. The potential for miscalculation and unintended consequences remains high, and the risk of a wider regional war is a serious concern. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, and diplomatic efforts to de-escalate tensions are likely to intensify.