Trump: I control the duration of the war with Iran and I have multiple options
In remarkable remarks reflecting the United States' confidence in its military and political stance towards Tehran, US President Donald Trump that he has "many options" to deal with the ongoing war with Iran, stressing his complete ability to control the timeframe of this confrontation, whether by making it a long-term war or shortening its duration and resolving it quickly.
These statements came during an interview Trump gave to Israel's Channel 12, where he indicated that the Iranian regime had previously been close to reaching a political agreement, but Tehran backed out at the last minute, suggesting a lack of genuine and serious desire on the part of the Iranian leadership to end tensions through diplomatic channels at the present time.
The political and diplomatic context of the escalation
Trump's remarks come at a time of unprecedented turmoil in the Middle East, where international and regional interests are deeply intertwined. Observers suggest that Trump's talk of "controlling the duration of the war" carries implicit messages for both the Iranian public and regional allies, indicating that Washington is not seeking a protracted war of attrition but possesses a clear strategy for withdrawal with minimal losses, while maintaining strategic deterrence.
The fluctuating Iranian position towards the "agreement" mentioned by Trump reflects the internal divisions in Tehran and the enormous economic pressures facing the country, making its options between military escalation and submission to international demands both bitter choices.
Field situation: Repelling Iranian attacks
On the military front, and coinciding with the political statements, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) issued a detailed statement regarding the latest developments on the ground in the Middle East. The Command confirmed the success of US forces in countering intense waves of Iranian attacks involving hundreds of missiles and drones.
The statement explained that air defense systems and forces deployed in the region were able to protect US bases and interests with high effectiveness, and that no US casualties were reported. CENTCOM indicated that the material damage to some sites was very limited and did not affect the course of military operations or the combat readiness of the forces in any way.
The repercussions of the situation on the security of the region
This American defensive success, coupled with Trump's threats regarding his ability to manage the war's duration, carries significant implications for the security of the Gulf states and Israel. It underscores Washington's commitment to protecting its allies and its capacity to neutralize Iranian missile threats, potentially altering Tehran's calculations in any future escalation and ushering in a new phase of power reshaping in the region.
