US President says 'practically nothing left to target' in Iran while officials prepare for at least two more weeks of strikes.
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US President Donald Trump told Axios that the American military campaign against Iran is "going great" and could end soon, claiming there is "practically nothing left to target" after days of intensive strikes. Speaking in a phone interview Wednesday, Trump said the conflict exceeded expectations and caused more damage than anticipated, adding that the war could end "whenever he decided it should."
The strikes represent a major escalation in US-Iran tensions that has sent shockwaves through the Middle East. The campaign follows years of escalating confrontation over Iran's nuclear program, regional proxy activities, and support for groups the US considers terrorist organizations. The conflict has raised concerns about broader regional stability and global oil supplies.
US Central Command reported destroying 16 Iranian mine-laying boats after intelligence indicated Iran had begun mining the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route. Despite Trump's optimistic assessment, US and Israeli officials told Axios no internal decision has been made on when fighting will stop, with some preparing for at least two more weeks of operations.
The conflict's ripple effects are already reshaping regional dynamics, with analysts suggesting the Iran war could push Gulf rivals toward cooperation and create diplomatic opportunities in other regional crises, including Sudan's ongoing civil war. Oil markets and shipping routes remain vulnerable as the situation develops.