Donald Trump said the war with Iran could end within days as the conflict enters its second full week.
Speaking during a press conference in Doral, Florida, the U.S. president told reporters he believed military operations might conclude soon. When asked whether the conflict could end within the week, Trump responded, “I think so.”
Trump said much of Iran’s leadership structure had already been eliminated during the conflict. “Everything they had is gone, including their leadership,” he stated, adding that multiple levels of leadership had been removed.
Trump Reacts to Mojtaba Khamenei’s Rise
Trump also commented on reports that Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, had been placed in a leadership role.
The U.S. president said he was “disappointed” by the development but stopped short of calling for his removal. Trump argued that the decision could lead to continued political problems for the country.
Asked whether Mojtaba Khamenei was a potential target, Trump declined to comment, stating it would be inappropriate to discuss such matters publicly. He added that he himself had faced assassination attempts in the past.
Trump also said the United States should be involved in selecting Iran’s next leader, suggesting that the country should appoint someone capable of pursuing peaceful change.
Differences With Vice President Vance
Trump acknowledged that JD Vance had initially been less enthusiastic about military action against Iran. However, the president said the two ultimately aligned on the strategy.
He explained that Vance had taken a slightly different philosophical position at the outset but later supported decisive military action once the administration moved forward with its plans.
Trump said he felt compelled to strike Iran first because he feared Tehran could launch an attack against the United States.
War Goals and Nuclear Concerns
Trump emphasised that a key objective of the war was ensuring Iran abandons its nuclear ambitions.
Responding to a question from Julia Benbrook of CNN, Trump said the ultimate goal was to ensure Iran does not resume nuclear weapons development after the conflict ends.
He referred to U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff while outlining expectations for the post-war situation. According to Trump, Iran’s nuclear capabilities had already been significantly reduced following the first wave of attacks by the United States and Israel.
He claimed Iran would not be able to develop weapons capable of threatening the U.S., Israel or allied countries for a long time.
Trump Discusses Putin Call
Trump also revealed that he had held what he described as a “very good conversation” with Vladimir Putin regarding developments in the Middle East.
The call marked the first direct communication between the two leaders since the outbreak of the Iran conflict. Trump said Putin had expressed willingness to help address the situation in the region.
However, Trump reiterated his frustration that the Russia–Ukraine War continued into its fifth year. He said he had told Putin that ending the war in Ukraine would be a more helpful step.
“Iran Would Have Taken the Middle East”
Trump argued that Iran would have dominated the Middle East if the United States and Israel had not launched military strikes.
He said most of Iran’s missile systems and other weapons had already been destroyed and claimed they had been aimed at countries across the region.
According to Trump, Iran also intended to destroy Israel but was stopped by timely intervention. He added that the conflict would likely end soon but warned that Iran would face an even stronger response if hostilities resumed.
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