President Donald Trump predicted Tuesday that the United States will withdraw its military forces from Iran within two to three weeks, signaling the near completion of U.S. objectives in the ongoing conflict.

Trump made the remarks to reporters at the White House after signing an executive order. "We'll be leaving very soon," he said. "We leave because there's no reason for us to do this." He added that the U.S. had struck numerous targets, including missile-making facilities, overnight, leaving Iran "totally unchecked" and "everything's been bombed out."

In a separate interview with the New York Post published the same day, Trump elaborated that the war "won't last much longer" and could end in "maybe two weeks, maybe a couple of days longer." He credited the campaign with achieving regime change, noting a "totally different group of people" now in control who are "much more reasonable." The primary goal, he said, was to ensure Iran "doesn't have a nuclear weapon," which he claimed had been met through the "total obliteration" of over 11,000 targets since airstrikes began.

The war erupted on February 28, 2026, when the U.S. and Israel launched Operation Epic Fury and Roaring Lion, airstrikes that assassinated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other officials while targeting military bases, nuclear sites like Natanz, and infrastructure. Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Israel and U.S. bases in the Gulf, closing the Strait of Hormuz and imposing tolls on shipping, which disrupted about one-fifth of global oil exports. Casualties vary by report: Iran claims over 2,000 dead, while U.S. and Israeli figures put Iranian military losses at more than 6,000 killed.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a flashpoint. Trump said it would reopen "automatically" after the U.S. exit, as Iran lacks the strength to hold it, urging oil-dependent nations to secure it themselves. He criticized European allies for not contributing more, telling them to "learn how to fight for yourself." U.S. gasoline prices hit $4 per gallon Tuesday, the highest since 2022, though Trump predicted a tumble once forces depart.

This is not the first time Trump has forecasted a quick end. An Axios tally listed 12 prior instances since early March, including claims the war was "already won" and would conclude "very soon" or when he felt it "in my bones." Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed optimism Monday, saying objectives were on track "in weeks, not months."

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian expressed willingness to stop if attacks cease, but the Revolutionary Guard threatened U.S. tech firms like Apple and Google. No ground invasion has occurred, though Trump weighs options like seizing Kharg Island oil facilities if needed.

Markets reacted positively, with the Dow jumping over 1,100 points after Trump's comments.