Reported by Afilawos Magana Sur, Managing Editor | Journalist at Sele Media Africa.

WASHINGTON — United States President Donald Trump has suggested that the ongoing military confrontation between the United States and Iran could soon come to an end, claiming that American forces have already struck most of the available strategic targets in the country.In remarks made during a brief phone interview with Axios on Wednesday, Trump said U.S. operations in Iran have achieved extensive military damage and that there is now “practically nothing left to target.” The comments come as the conflict—largely driven by coordinated military pressure from the United States and Israel—enters a critical phase marked by heightened geopolitical tensions across the Middle East. Reuters +1 Trump indicated that the timeline for ending the conflict could depend largely on political and strategic decisions in Washington. “Any time I want it to end, it will end,” he said, suggesting the military campaign is progressing ahead of schedule. Yonhap News military campaign and strategic objectives according to U.S. military officials, the operation—launched in late February—has targeted Iranian missile infrastructure, naval capabilities, and military facilities believed to support Tehran’s regional operations and nuclear ambitions. More than 5,000 targets have reportedly been struck since the campaign began, including ships, missile sites, and logistical bases. Yonhap News the Pentagon has said the primary objective of the campaign is to significantly degrade Iran’s ability to project military power across the region and to prevent any potential pathway to nuclear weapons development. Despite Trump’s suggestion that the campaign may be nearing completion, analysts note that the broader conflict remains fluid. U.S. and Israeli officials have indicated that additional strikes could still occur if necessary to secure strategic objectives. Mixed signals from regional stake holdersWhile Washington has hinted at a possible wind-down of operations, leaders in Israel have maintained a more cautious stance. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the campaign would continue “for as long as necessary” until its goals are fully achieved, suggesting there is no fixed timeline for concluding military actions. Apa.az +1 Meanwhile, Iranian officials have warned that the conflict could escalate into a prolonged “war of attrition,” signaling Tehran’s readiness to sustain long-term resistance if hostilities continue. Business today global implications the conflict has raised concerns across international markets and diplomatic circles, particularly due to tensions around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz—a key global energy corridor through which a significant portion of the world’s oil supply passes. Security analysts warn that instability in the strait could disrupt global energy flows and intensify economic pressures far beyond the Middle East. For African economies—many of which depend heavily on imported fuel—prolonged disruptions in Gulf energy routes could have direct consequences for inflation, trade, and economic stability. OutlookTrump’s comments have fueled speculation that Washington may be preparing to declare a strategic victory and move toward de-escalation. However, with conflicting signals from regional actors and continued military activity, experts caution that the path to a definitive end of the conflict remains uncertain. For now, the situation continues to evolve rapidly, with diplomatic, military, and economic stakes extending well beyond the Middle East. Sources: Reuters, Axios, Al Arabiya, The Times of Israel, TRT World, Punch Nigeria.

Afilawos Magana Sur

Afilawos Magana Sur is a journalist from Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State, currently based in Bauchi metropolis. He is known for his commitment to accurate, ethical, and responsible journalism, with a focus on reporting issues of public relevance and community development.

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