U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated that American military operations against Iran could end within weeks without requiring a diplomatic agreement, underscoring an increasingly fluid and at times contradictory stance from Washington as the conflict enters its fifth week.
Speaking at the White House, Trump suggested a near-term withdrawal from what the United States has termed Operation Epic Fury, even as officials continue to warn of escalation if Tehran fails to meet US demands.
"We'll be leaving very soon," Trump told reporters, adding that an exit could come "within two weeks, maybe two weeks, maybe three."
He also dismissed the notion that a negotiated settlement was a prerequisite for ending hostilities.
"Iran doesn't have to make a deal, no," Reuters reported him saying. "No, they don't have to make a deal with me."
The White House later announced that Trump would address the nation to "provide an important update on Iran", signalling that a clearer policy direction may be imminent.
Washington had previously threatened to intensify its military campaign unless Iran agreed to a 15-point ceasefire framework, which includes commitments to abandon any pursuit of nuclear weapons, halt uranium enrichment and fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies.
Earlier, Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the administration remained open to a negotiated end to the conflict, even as it prepared for continued military engagement.
"We have more and more options, and they have less ... in only one month we set the terms, the upcoming days will be decisive," he said in Washington.
The war has already killed thousands, expanded across the region and disrupted energy markets, raising concerns about broader economic fallout.
From Tehran, Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said indirect communication with Washington was ongoing but fell short of formal negotiations.
He said he had received messages from US special envoy Steve Witkoff, though these were conveyed through intermediaries and often carried a mix of threats and exchanged views.
According to remarks cited by Al Jazeera, Araqchi said such contacts did not constitute "negotiations", reflecting the fragile and uncertain diplomatic track running alongside the military confrontation. - April 1, 2026
