According to Jerusalem Post, a statement by Donald Trump confirming that the United States will remain engaged in military operations against Iran has intensified global attention on the ongoing conflict, as he emphasized that a prolonged presence would significantly weaken Tehran’s ability to recover.
Speaking during a roughly 15-minute call with CNBC, Trump said the US could withdraw immediately and still leave Iran struggling for years, but insisted that such an outcome would not be sufficient. “If we left right now, it would take them at least 10 years to rebuild, but rebuild they will,” he said. “If we stay longer, they’ll never rebuild.”
The remarks come amid continued coordination between Washington and Israel, with Trump noting that both countries share largely aligned objectives in the conflict. However, he pointed out a key distinction in their positions. “The difference is, they live right next door. We don’t. That’s a big difference,” he said, highlighting the geographic and strategic realities shaping each country’s approach.
Later, while addressing reporters outside the White House, Trump suggested that Israel’s timeline for ending the war would likely mirror that of the United States. He also made clear his opposition to any immediate ceasefire with Iran, arguing that ongoing military gains should not be interrupted. “We can have a dialogue, but I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know, you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re obliterating the other side,” he stated.
Trump also addressed concerns over security in the Strait of Hormuz, describing operations there as manageable but resource-intensive. “It’s a simple military maneuver, it’s relatively safe, but you need a lot of help in the sense that you need ships, you need volume,” he said. He added that broader international involvement would be welcome, noting, “NATO could help us, but they so far haven’t had the courage to do so.”
Meanwhile, reports indicate that Iranian officials remain unwilling to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz, as they focus on surviving sustained military pressure. Sources suggest that ongoing strikes on infrastructure and leadership targets are further delaying any potential negotiations, underscoring the deepening stalemate in the conflict.
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