01 Apr 2026 - 08:47
The Kabul Tribune (KT) - U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States could end its military attacks on Iran within two to three weeks, signaling a possible winding down of the conflict now in its fifth week, Reuters reported.
Speaking at the White House, Trump said the U.S. exit from what it has called “Operation Epic Fury” could come “within two weeks, maybe three weeks,” adding that Iran would not necessarily need to reach a deal with Washington for the fighting to stop. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal, no,” he said.
The White House later announced that Trump would address the nation on Wednesday night to provide an update on the Iran situation. Officials previously warned of expanded military operations if Tehran did not accept a U.S. ceasefire framework that reportedly included restrictions on Iran’s nuclear program and demands related to the Strait of Hormuz.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also said Washington could see the “finish line” in the war. “We can see the finish line. It’s not today, it’s not tomorrow, but it is coming,” he told Fox News Channel.
Rubio said there are ongoing exchanges of messages between Washington and Tehran, and that a direct meeting remains possible, though no formal negotiations are currently underway. He added that the conflict has already caused major regional instability, including thousands of deaths, mass displacement, and disruption to global energy markets.
The war, which began on February 28 following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, has since expanded across the region, with Tehran responding through attacks on Israel and U.S. military positions in Gulf states. The escalation has driven up oil prices and shaken global financial markets.
Reports also indicated that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist U.S. and allied efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, potentially through coordinated international action.
Rubio further said Washington may need to reassess its relationship with NATO after the conflict, arguing that the alliance has not provided sufficient support to U.S. operations. “We are going to have to reexamine whether or not this alliance… is still serving that purpose,” he said, while noting that final decisions rest with President Trump.
European allies, however, have declined direct military involvement in strikes against Iran, even as diplomatic contacts between Iran and Western intermediaries continue.
