President Trump has warned that the ongoing conflict with Iran may persist for some time, stating that the country's ability to retaliate will eventually "peter out" under the pressure of U.S. strikes.
Trump made the comments during a Cabinet meeting at Camp David, Maryland, saying that the fighting could continue until Iran is no longer capable of striking back.
"Yeah, sure, I think so. I'd be foolish to say no. You know, you always have to keep your guard up," Trump said, adding that Iran will "get weaker" over time and eventually cease to pose a threat.
The President's remarks marked a shift in tone from earlier in the week, when he expressed optimism that renewed negotiations could produce a deal and Iran's military would be decimated.
However, Trump now acknowledges that the five-month conflict could drag on, despite earlier claims that the U.S. had achieved its objectives against Iran's military capabilities.
Iran has continued to launch missiles and drones at U.S. bases and threaten commercial shipping, complicating the administration's earlier declarations that it had eliminated Iran's ability to project military power.
Trump also expressed skepticism about the prospect of reaching a deal with Iran, accusing Tehran of lying about its negotiations with the U.S. and making him "angry."
The renewed fighting has placed greater political pressure on Trump to explain how and when the war will end, particularly as the U.S. approaches the November midterm elections.
The conflict has also left no clear end in sight, despite efforts by nations such as Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, and Egypt to revive an agreement that was intended to end the fighting and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest exchange of attacks has further dimmed the prospects of a deal, with the key issues of control of the critical waterway, sanctions relief, and Iran's nuclear program still unresolved.
