WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said Tuesday the conflict with Iran would conclude "fairly soon," signaling a potential de-escalation after months of rising tensions between Washington and Tehran.
"I don't think we need to do anything," Trump said during an impromptu White House press conference, his most direct public statement yet on the administration's approach to Iranian provocations.
The remarks mark a shift in tone from some senior officials. National Security Advisor John Bolton had previously advocated for aggressive action against Iranian aggression. Secretary of State Michael Pompeo has pressed for a comprehensive agreement addressing Iran's nuclear program, ballistic missiles, and regional proxy activities.
U.S. forces maintain roughly 50,000 personnel across Persian Gulf bases. Tensions have intensified following maritime incidents and cyberattacks, though diplomatic channels have stalled since the U.S. withdrew from the 2015 nuclear accord in 2018.
Trump's comments could ease concerns among Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, both worried about a broader regional conflict. But Iran's hardline government has rejected direct negotiations while U.S. sanctions remain in place.
Congressional Democrats and Republicans remain divided. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey, the senior Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, has called for a clear strategy to prevent nuclear proliferation without military entanglement. Republican Senator Tom Cotton of Arkansas has pushed for maintaining economic and military pressure to force Iranian concessions.
The administration plans to present an updated Middle East security strategy to the National Security Council next month, with officials expected to outline specific diplomatic and defense initiatives concerning Iran.
