Washington: US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that the ongoing conflict with Iran could persist for another two to three weeks. During a phone interview with radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump emphasized that time was not a pressing concern for the United States, sidestepping questions about whether the ceasefire with Iran had concluded following reports of Iranian attacks toward the United Arab Emirates.

According to Anadolu Agency, Trump expressed confidence about the outcome of the hostilities, remarking, "One way or the other, we win." He elaborated that the US would either secure a favorable deal or achieve victory with ease. Trump highlighted the success of US military actions, boasting about the destruction of Iran's naval capabilities, stating, "They had 159 ships, Hugh. Now, they have none. They're all at the bottom of the sea."

Trump further revealed that the US military had neutralized eight small, fast vessels outfitted with machine guns. He also asserted US control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz while cautioning about potential threats to maritime navigation. "The one thing you can't stop is somebody's going to want to drop a little mine . and you happen to own a billion-dollar ship," he said, advising caution to maritime operators.

Additionally, Trump commented on the internal situation in Iran, suggesting that the Iranian populace was acquiring weapons to challenge the government in Tehran. He expressed confidence in their ability to resist once adequately armed.

The escalation in regional tensions traces back to February 28, when the US and Israel conducted strikes against Iran, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran targeted at Israel and US allies in the Gulf, alongside disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Although a ceasefire was initiated on April 8, facilitated by Pakistani mediation, negotiations in Islamabad failed to yield a permanent resolution, leading to an extension of the truce.