Washington: US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the ongoing conflict with Iran would not conclude this week but would end "soon," emphasizing that "it won't be long." He expressed his belief that ending the hostilities would result in a "much safer world," despite his own personal reluctance to engage in the conflict. Trump underscored his sense of "obligation" to act, suggesting that without US intervention, a nuclear confrontation potentially escalating into World War III could have occurred. According to Anadolu Agency, the remarks highlight the administration's changing and often contradictory narratives regarding the conflict's timeline. Initially, Trump suggested that the military campaign would last four to five weeks and has consistently indicated that operations were proceeding "ahead of schedule." However, recent comments from other officials have added to the uncertainty surrounding the war's duration. Energy Secretary Chris Wright stated on Sunday that the conflict would "certainly" conclude within weeks. In contrast, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remarked last week that the situation was "only just the beginning," as reported by the Axios news site, which also noted that officials in Washington and allied nations were preparing for potential US involvement to extend until September. The US-Israeli military strikes on Iran commenced on February 28, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals, including the then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since the start of the campaign, fourteen US service members have been killed.