Washington: US President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the ongoing war with Iran, which has been a source of significant international tension, will not end within the week but is expected to conclude "soon." Trump emphasized that the resolution of the conflict is imminent and claimed that US military actions were necessary to prevent a potential nuclear war, which he suggested could have escalated into a third world war.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump's comments highlight the evolving narrative around the conflict's timeline, as he previously intimated a shorter duration of four to five weeks. The conflict has led to significant geopolitical shifts and has involved multiple regional actors, including Israel, which has begun a ground offensive in Lebanon. This move has resulted in the displacement of more than 1 million people, according to Lebanese authorities.

The Israeli military expanded its operations in Lebanon following a cross-border attack by Hezbollah, and the situation has intensified with Israeli airstrikes targeting various locations, including Beirut. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the initiation of a ground offensive, marking a significant escalation in the region.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded to reports of communication with the US, clarifying that his last contact with US special envoy Steve Witkoff occurred prior to the "illegal military attack" on Iran. Araghchi dismissed claims of recent communications as misleading.

The conflict has also disrupted global markets, as Iran's retaliation included drone and missile strikes affecting Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries with US military assets. The IEA responded to the historic oil supply disruption by releasing strategic oil stocks, marking an unprecedented move to stabilize the energy market.