Trump Warns Iran War Could Last More Than a Month as Strikes Intensify Across West Asia
U.S. President Donald Trump has warned that the ongoing war with Iran could extend beyond a month, as military operations intensify across the Middle East and fighting spreads to multiple countries.
Speaking in Washington on Monday, Trump said the war, which began on 28 February with a strike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, was progressing “substantially ahead of schedule.” However, he cautioned that the United States is prepared for a longer conflict if necessary.
The U.S. president made the remarks while attending a Medal of Honor ceremony at the White House, where he defended the military campaign against Iran.
The conflict has rapidly escalated across the region. Israeli forces have continued bombing operations in Lebanon, targeting what they say are Hezbollah positions, while Iran has reportedly launched attacks on oil facilities in several Gulf countries.
Early Tuesday morning, powerful explosions were reported across the Iranian capital, Tehran. Journalists from Agence France-Presse (AFP) said the blasts shook windows across parts of the city as fighter jets flew overhead during overnight strikes.
As the violence spreads, the United States government has urged American citizens to leave large parts of West Asia immediately due to growing security risks. The advisory applies to a wide region stretching from Egypt eastward across the Middle East.
The war began after U.S. and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes targeting Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. The killing of Khamenei marked one of the most dramatic escalations in the long-running tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States.
Since then, the conflict has expanded beyond Iran’s borders, raising fears of a broader regional war involving multiple countries.
Analysts warn that continued attacks on oil facilities and shipping routes in the Gulf could have significant consequences for global energy supplies and international trade.
Despite concerns about the conflict widening, Trump said the United States remains prepared for both short and extended military operations as the situation continues to develop.