In a Monday evening interview, President Trump suggested that tensions with Iran could persist for an additional two to three weeks, though he declined to confirm whether a cease-fire with the nation was still active.
Speaking with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump remarked, “We’ve accomplished much of what we needed to, and it might take another two weeks, maybe three. Time isn’t a pressing issue for us.”
Following the onset of US and Israeli military actions against Iran on February 28, Trump initially predicted the conflict would last “around four weeks.” However, as of this past Saturday, the hostilities have extended to nine weeks, despite a nominal cease-fire that has been in place since April 8.
Trump stated confidently, “One way or another, we will prevail. We either secure the right deal or achieve an easy victory. Militarily, we’ve already succeeded. As I’ve said countless times before, they had 159 ships, and now they have none. They’re at the bottom of the sea. Just today, we eliminated eight of their smaller, rapid vessels.”
Earlier on Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that two American-flagged merchant ships navigated the Strait of Hormuz successfully. This operation marked the first day of a Trump administration effort to ensure shipping traffic can safely pass through this crucial waterway. Adm. Brett Cooper, the commander of CENTCOM, noted in a press briefing that the US military had destroyed six small boats that were threatening commercial ships.
In retaliation, Iran launched nearly two dozen missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates. The UAE’s defense ministry reported intercepting 15 missiles and four drones, though a drone attack at a vital oil facility in Fujairah resulted in a fire, injuring three Indian nationals. Meanwhile, the British military reported two cargo ships burning off the UAE’s coast.
When asked by Hewitt if the attacks by Iran would lead to a resumption of strikes by the US, Trump said: “Well, I can’t tell you that.”
“If I answered that question, you’d say this man is not smart enough to be leading the United States of America.”
