Trump Says Iran War Could End ‘Any Time I Want’, Claims Tehran’s Military ‘Practically Destroyed’

The article reports on US President Donald Trump suggesting the US-Iran war could end at any time and that Iran's military capabilities are greatly diminished, alongside Israel's involvement and ongoing actions near the Strait of Hormuz. It notes continued clashes and threats amid these statements, with both sides keeping up military pressure.

US President Donald Trump has again insisted that the conflict with Iran will end "soon", saying in a phone interview that the war could stop whenever Trump chooses. Trump told Axios there is "practically nothing left to target", and described the military objectives as largely fulfilled.

The comments came as clashes and air strikes continued across the Middle East, despite Trump signalling that the main aims of Washington’s campaign in Iran have been met. Regional tensions remain high while attacks persist, even as Trump talks about drawing fighting to a close.

US-Iran war claims on Iran’s military losses

Trump recently told CBS News that the war is "very complete" and argued Iran’s armed capabilities are severely reduced. Trump said Iran had no navy, no communications and no air force left. Trump added that Tehran has nothing remaining in a "military sense."

Detailing the claimed damage, Trump said "their missiles are down to a scatter. Their drones are being blown up all over the place, including their manufacturing of drones," and warned Iran not to "try anything cute". Trump suggested Iran’s forces had already fired nearly everything available.

US-Iran war statements on strikes and Israeli role

Amid these US claims, Israeli defence minister Israel Katz confirmed that joint operations with American forces would not stop. Katz said the campaign would continue "as long as necessary". According to news agency AFP, Katz stressed there is no fixed time limit on the current operation.

Katz said, "This operation will continue without any time limit, as long as necessary, until we achieve all the objectives and decide the outcome of the campaign," outlining plans for strikes in Tehran and across Iran "day after day, target after target". Katz said Iranians must decide their political future.

US-Iran war threats over Strait of Hormuz

Trump’s warnings also targeted reported Iranian activity in the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s biggest oil chokepoint. On Tuesday, Trump threatened further military action at a "level never seen before" if mines were laid and not cleared from the busy shipping route.

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote: "If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY! If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before," setting out possible future steps.

Despite Trump stating, "Little this and that...Any time I want it to end, it will end," officials in Washington and Jerusalem continue to speak of ongoing operations. Katz argued continued attacks could help "allow Iranians to rise up, act and remove the Khamenei-led regime" but added, "Ultimately, that is something that depends on them," keeping responsibility with people in Iran.

Trump has escalated his language, saying, "They've shot everything they have to shoot, and they better not try anything cute or it's going to be the end of that country…If they do anything bad, that would be the end of Iran and you'd never hear the name again," while also repeating that the conflict could stop whenever Trump decides.