Trump hints 12th time at swift end to US-Iran conflict

US President Donald Trump, on March 30, hinted for the 12th time this month at a possible near-term conclusion of the military operation “Epic Fury” against Iran.

White House statements have been mixed, as US authorities aim to reassure citizens that the conflict will not become protracted, Axios reports.

The operation has now entered its fifth week, aligning with Trump’s initial estimate of a four-to-five-week duration.

The number of US troops in the Middle East has surpassed 50,000, which experts say could complicate a swift end to hostilities, according to Axios.

US and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iran on February 28, targeting major cities, including Tehran. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) responded with a large-scale counteroperation against Israel and also struck US military facilities in Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

In retaliation, Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz to vessels linked to the US, Israel, and countries supporting “aggression” against the Islamic Republic. Several tankers were attacked for attempting passage without Tehran’s approval.

On March 25, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the strait is open to friendly nations, including Russia, India, Iraq, China, and Pakistan.

By Jeyhun Aghazada