“Not Going To Be There Too Much Longer”: Trump Signals Endgame In Iran War

US President Donald Trump has said the war in Iran may be nearing its final phase, indicating that American forces may not remain in the region for much longer after what he described as key military gains. In a phone interview with the New York Post on Tuesday, Trump said the US-led campaign had severely weakened Iran and suggested the Strait of Hormuz would reopen once Washington reduces its military presence.

Trump Says US Role In Iran May Not Last Much Longer

Trump said the military operation against Iran had inflicted major damage and hinted that the United States was moving closer to ending its direct involvement in the conflict.

"We're not going to be there too much longer. We're obliterating the s-t out of them right now, it's a total obliteration. But we won't have to be there much longer, but we have more work to do in terms of killing their offensive, whatever offensive capability they have left," he said.

His remarks came as the war entered its 32nd day. The conflict began on 28 February after the US and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran under Operation Epic Fury following the collapse of nuclear talks.

Trump Says Strait Of Hormuz Will Reopen After US Pullback

Trump also addressed the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route through which around 20 to 25 per cent of the world's oil supply passes. He said the waterway would likely reopen on its own after the US begins to pull back and suggested that countries dependent on the route should take action themselves.

"Well, I think it'll automatically open, but my attitude is, I've obliterated the country. They have no strength left, and let the countries that are using the strait, let them go and open it... because I would imagine whoever's controlling the oil will be very happy to open the strait," he told the New York Post.

Earlier, Trump had struck a much harsher tone in a Truth Social post aimed at countries facing fuel shortages, especially the United Kingdom.

"All of those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz, like the United Kingdom, which refused to get involved in the decapitation of Iran, I have a suggestion for you: Number 1, buy from the U.S., we have plenty, and Number 2, build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You'll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the USA won't be there to help you anymore, just like you weren't there for us. Iran has been, essentially, decimated. The hard part is done. Go get your own oil!" he wrote.

Trump Claims US Has Achieved Key Objectives

Trump also claimed the operation had already delivered some of its main objectives, including crippling Iran's nuclear capability and bringing about regime change.

"Taking away their nuclear capability, and we've achieved regime change," he said.

The remarks are likely to draw international attention as questions continue over Washington's broader goals in the region and whether the conflict is moving towards military closure or diplomatic negotiations.

Trump Refuses To Discuss Negotiation Strategy

When asked whether he planned to send his negotiating team, including special envoy Steve Witkoff and Vice President JD Vance, to Pakistan or another location for possible talks, Trump declined to reveal any details.

"I don't want to say that. I can't talk to you about this stuff, all of it. Okay? I just can't talk to you. It's so ridiculous, right? What do you want me to give, my strategy? Do you want me to give you my strategy?" he said.

The war has escalated sharply since late February. The initial US-Israel strikes targeted multiple Iranian cities and reportedly killed several senior leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has since retaliated with attacks across the Gulf, striking locations in Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar and Bahrain, raising fears of a wider regional conflict even as Trump suggested the end may be approaching.