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When will US-Israel-Iran war stop? Trump, Netanyahu share views as war rages on Day 4
The conflict has so far resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following which Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on US bases.
The United States and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on Saturday, leading to an escalation in tensions in the region. The conflict has so far resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, following which Tehran launched retaliatory strikes on US military installations in Gulf countries, including UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Jordan.
On uncertainty regarding the end of the conflict, both US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have signalled that it could last for “weeks.”
In a brief telephone interview with The New York Times, Trump, when asked how long the US and Israel could maintain the intensity of the assault, said, "Well, we intended four to five weeks." Israeli PM Netanyahu, too, said the conflict would not “an endless war”. “We have prepared a general scope of weeks,” Netanyahu added.
India on Tuesday called for de-escalation of the conflict, while “firmly opposing” attacks on merchant ships and asserting that safety of Indian nationals and their well-being was the utmost priority.
“As a proximate neighbour with critical stakes in the security and stability of the region, these developments evoke great anxiety,” the ministry of external affairs said, adding that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in touch with his counterparts.
‘Quick and decisive, not going to take years’
Israeli PM Netanyahu has rejected the idea of the conflict lasting for years, similar to previous wars in the region.
“I said it could be quick and decisive. It may take some time, but it's not going to take years. It's not an endless war,” Netanyahu told Fox News' ‘Hannity’ program on Monday.
Meanwhile, Israeli Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani informed during an online briefing that the duration would be subject to change, depending on the developments. “We have prepared a general scope of weeks,” Reuters cited Shoshani as saying. However, the Israeli Lieutenant Colonel said deployment of ground forces was unlikely.
‘Too late': Trump claims Iran seeking talks
Trump on Tuesday said that Iran had sought talks with the US amid the conflict, adding it was “too late.” “Their air defense, Air Force, Navy, and Leadership is gone. They want to talk. I said, “Too Late!”” the US President said in a post on Truth Social.
Trump said that the US had intended for the conflict to last for four to five weeks, also said it would not be “difficult” for the American and Israeli forces.
“It won’t be difficult…We have tremendous amounts of ammunition. You know, we have ammunition stored all over the world in different countries,” Trump told New York Times.
The US President, however, acknowledged the possibility of casualties on the American side, also speaking about the three US military personnel killed in the conflict. “Three is three too many as far as I’m concerned,” Trump said. He further added, “We expect casualties.”
