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In a Monday evening interview, President Trump indicated that tensions between the United States and Iran might persist for another two to three weeks. He declined to confirm if a cease-fire is still in place between the two nations.
During a conversation with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt, Trump stated, “One way or the other, we win. We either secure the right deal, or we achieve victory with ease. From a military perspective, we’ve already won. As I’ve often said, and others agree, they had 159 ships. Now, they have none. They’re all at the bottom of the ocean. Today, we eliminated eight of their small, fast vessels.”
Following the onset of US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, Trump initially predicted that the conflict would last “about four weeks.” However, this past Saturday marked the end of nine weeks of hostilities, despite a nominal cease-fire being in place since April 8.
Trump added, “We’ve dealt with much of what needed to be done, probably another two, maybe three weeks. Time is not pressing for us.”
Earlier on Monday, US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that two American-flagged merchant ships successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. This marked the first day of a Trump administration initiative to ensure shipping traffic through this strategic waterway. Adm. Brett Cooper, CENTCOM’s commander, reported that the US military had sunk six small boats that were targeting commercial ships.
In response, Iran fired nearly two dozen missiles and drones toward the United Arab Emirates. The UAE’s defense ministry said it had intercepted 15 missiles and four drones, with authorities in the eastern emirate of Fujairah said one drone sparked a fire at a key oil facility, wounding three Indian nationals. The British military also reported two cargo vessels ablaze off the UAE’s coast.
When asked by Hewitt if the attacks by Iran would lead to a resumption of strikes by the US, Trump said: “Well, I can’t tell you that.”
“If I answered that question, you’d say this man is not smart enough to be leading the United States of America.”