WASHINGTON (Realist English). President Donald Trump indicated on Sunday that the United States anticipates a military campaign in Iran could last approximately four weeks, as American and Israeli strikes continue following the reported killing of Iran’s supreme leader and extensive damage to the country’s defense infrastructure.
Speaking to the British newspaper Daily Mail, Trump said the operation had been envisioned as a limited campaign. “It’s always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so,” he said, adding that it could take “four weeks, or less.”
Trump described Iran as a large and resilient country but suggested its military capabilities had been significantly weakened.
The president also said he remains open to renewed diplomatic engagement with Tehran, though he declined to specify whether talks would resume soon. According to the report, Trump said Iranian officials had expressed interest in negotiations but added that such discussions should have taken place earlier.
In a separate interview with NBC, Trump acknowledged that American casualties were possible in the ongoing conflict. The Pentagon announced that three US service members had been killed during strikes on Iranian targets. Trump said further losses could occur but characterized the campaign as ultimately beneficial. “We expect casualties, but in the end it’s going to be a great deal for the world,” he said.
The remarks suggest Washington is preparing for a sustained but time-bound operation, while keeping diplomatic channels formally open amid escalating tensions in the region.
