Trump suggests Iran war goals almost achieved, signals conflict may end soon
WASHINGTON, DC: President Trump told Axios on Wednesday, March 11, that the war with Iran will end "soon" because there is "practically nothing left to target" within the country.
During a five-minute phone interview, the President asserted that the joint US-Israeli operation has already accomplished its primary objectives, leaving only a few minor assets remaining.
"Any time I want it to end, it will end," Trump said, claiming the military has inflicted more damage in ten days than was originally anticipated for six weeks.
Despite this public confidence, US and Israeli officials noted there has been no formal internal directive to halt the fighting.
Israel vows war without time limit
🇮🇱 Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz:
— Visioner (@visionergeo) March 11, 2026
📌 “The Iranian leadership is fleeing like rats into tunnels, just like the Hamas leadership in Gaza. Today they are essentially twins of Hamas.
📌 From those tunnels they give orders to fire at civilians and civilian targets in Israel… pic.twitter.com/P61128973u
Contradicting the President’s suggestion of a swift conclusion, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated Wednesday that the campaign will continue "without any time limit."
Katz maintained that strikes will persist until all strategic objectives are achieved and the campaign is won decisively.
US and Israeli officials confirmed they are preparing for at least two more weeks of intensive strikes in Iran.
While Trump suggests the mission is largely complete, Katz emphasized that the pressure will continue "day after day, target after target" to ensure the regime's capabilities are fully neutralized.
Mine-laying boats destroyed in critical strait
U.S. forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, March 10, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz. pic.twitter.com/371unKYiJs
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 10, 2026
The US military recently intercepted Iranian attempts to lay mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for the world's oil supply.
President Trump confirmed that US strikes on Tuesday successfully destroyed 16 mine-laying boats, effectively disrupting the regime's plans to harass international shipping.
CENTCOM Commander Admiral Brad Cooper reported that while the number of deployed mines remains small, the mission to eliminate Iran's power projection continues.
Cooper noted that Iranian missile and drone attacks have declined by approximately 90% and 83%, respectively, since the conflict's inception.
Payback for decades of death and destruction
President Trump characterized the ongoing military action as "payback" for 47 years of Iranian-backed hostility throughout the Middle East.
He stated that the regime is finally paying for the "death and destruction" it caused not only to the US and Israel, but to neighboring Gulf states as well.
"They will not get off that easy," Trump told Axios, reiterating that the US combat power continues to build as Iran's capabilities decline.
The President remains firm that the current operation has permanently altered the regional balance of power in favor of the US and its allies.
