The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, told reporters that the United States’ military operation could last between four and six weeks.
US President Donald Trump had previously suggested that the war could last approximately four to five weeks, but also admitted that it could last „much longer,” as noted by The Guardian.
However, Pentagon officials and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth largely refused to provide a timeline for concluding the campaign, stating that attacks could continue longer if the president deems it necessary for the United States military to achieve its various objectives, as reported by BBC.
Trump also stated on social media on Friday that he expects an "unconditional surrender" from Iran, a suggestion that the Iranian government, at least publicly, does not seem to be considering at this time.
"Unconditional surrender could mean that the Iranians announce it. But it could also be when they can no longer fight because they have no one or nothing to fight with," specified the White House leader.
The American president's social media post signals that the US intends to continue the war until the government in Tehran completely capitulates.
Insisting on the "unconditional surrender" from the Iranian regime, Donald Trump seems to exclude the possibility of a negotiated solution that could quickly end the war.
Earlier, he ruled out any chance of a diplomatic agreement with Iran, writing on social media that "there will be no agreement with Iran, except for unconditional surrender."
As the Middle East operation continues, these questions will become more politically complex for Trump, who campaigned on the promise to end "endless wars" America has found itself involved in, citing the "War on Terror" that began after September 11, as noted by the BBC.