US President Donald Trump has suggested that the ongoing conflict with Iran could stretch on for several more weeks, describing it as a four-week process in an interview with the British newspaper The Daily Mail.
“It’s always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so,” Trump said in a phone interview from his Mar-a-Lago resort. “It’s always been about a four-week process so — as strong as it is, it’s a big country, it’ll take four weeks — or less.”
The remarks come as fighting intensifies following coordinated US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, including the operation that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks, widening the confrontation across the region.
Trump also addressed the first confirmed US casualties of the conflict. Three American service members were killed in the fighting, though their identities have not yet been released publicly.
“They’re great people,” Trump said. “And, you know, we expect that to happen, unfortunately. Could happen continuous — it could happen again.” He described the fallen troops as having outstanding records.
Trump also acknowledged that these were the first US combat deaths of his second term. “We’ve done pretty well,” he said, while noting the risks involved in the operation.
Trump maintained that the military campaign was unfolding as anticipated. “No, I think it’s going as per planned. You know, other than we took out their entire leadership — far, far more than what we thought. Looks like 48,” he said, referring to senior Iranian figures reportedly killed.
Despite the escalation, Trump indicated he remained open to diplomacy. “I don’t know,” he said when asked if talks with Tehran could happen soon. “They want to talk, but I said you should have talked last week, not this week.”
The President said he had spoken with several regional leaders, including those of Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan. He added that he was preparing to address the American public again and was consulting with military commanders.
“I’m with the generals right now, just to give a little bit of an update,” Trump said. “I’ll be doing that right after this call.”
