'We won't be there long': Donald Trump says Iran war nearing end, signals US pullback from region

In an interview with the New York Post, Trump claimed the US military campaign had significantly weakened Iran and would not continue for much longer.

“We’re not going to be there too much longer. We’re obliterating them right now… but we have more work to do in terms of eliminating their remaining offensive capability,” he said.

Addressing concerns over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route that carries roughly a quarter of the world’s oil supply, Trump suggested the situation would stabilise once US forces step back.

“I think it’ll automatically open… let the countries that depend on it go and secure it themselves,” he said, adding that nations reliant on the route should take responsibility for maintaining access.

In a separate post on his Truth Social platform, Trump criticised allies such as the United Kingdom for not supporting US-led actions against Iran.

He urged affected countries facing fuel shortages to source oil from the US or take direct action to secure the strait.

Trump also asserted that key military objectives had been achieved, including dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities and effecting “regime change.”

The conflict, now in its fifth week, began on February 28 following coordinated strikes by the United States and Israel after nuclear negotiations collapsed.

Since then, hostilities have escalated across the Gulf, with retaliatory strikes reported in multiple countries.

While hinting at ongoing diplomatic efforts, Trump declined to reveal details of any potential negotiations or next steps.