WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said the United States could exit the conflict with Iran within the next two to three weeks, adding that a deal could come even sooner.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said the United States would not stay in Iran for long and had largely achieved its objectives. He said the main goal was to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and claimed that goal had been met.
Trump said Washington has the ability to end the war on its own terms. He added that the United States has options to halt military operations even without a formal agreement.
He said talks with Iran are not necessary. However, he noted that if a deal is reached, the conflict could end earlier.
Trump also claimed that regime change had occurred in Iran, but said it was not a primary U.S. objective. He added that Iran would not be able to develop nuclear weapons for the next four to five years.
He said Iran could take 15 to 20 years to regain stability. He added that the country currently lacks effective military and defence capabilities.
Referring to the Strait of Hormuz, Trump said countries such as France would need to ensure their own security if they require oil and gas. He said the United States would not take responsibility in this regard.
He said the Strait of Hormuz would reopen on its own after a U.S. withdrawal. He added that Washington would have no further role in the conflict.
In an earlier interview with a U.S. newspaper, Trump had also indicated that the United States would not maintain a long-term presence in Iran and that its sole objective was to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
