Trump says US close to Iran goals in 32 days, lists all wars that lasted longer
From World War 2 to the Vietnam war, Trump pointed to drawn-out conflicts in the past that the US was embroiled in to suggest that the military operation in Iran, which he hopes to wrap up in six weeks, is no cause for concern.
In a passionate defence of the month-long war, President Donald Trump said US forces will "finish the job" in Iran soon, insisting "core strategic objectives are nearing completion".
In his first national address since the fighting plunged the Middle East into turmoil and sent oil prices at home and abroad skyrocketing, Trump downplayed the drawbacks as short-term. He urged Americans to see the conflict, which has left 13 US soldiers dead, as an "investment".
To put things in perspective, the US President gave a brief history lesson. He listed past wars that America was embroiled in to suggest that the military operation in Iran, which he hopes to wrap up in six weeks, is no cause for concern.
"American involvement in WW1 lasted one year, seven months and five days. WW2 lasted for three years, eight months and 25 days. The Korean war lasted for three years, one month, and two days. The Vietnam war lasted for 19 years, five months, and 29 days. Iraq went on for eight years, eight months, and 28 days," he said.
By contrast, the US has already decimated Iran’s military capabilities and the Islamic republic no longer poses a significant threat, Trump pointed out.
"We are in this military operation for 32 days. And the country has been eviscerated and essentially is really no longer a threat," he asserted.
Trump's reassurances were a bid to allay the fears of a war-wary American public and salvage approval ratings that are at an all-time low. Conservatives and even the President's die-hard MAGA support base have expressed anger over the war in Iran, believing that the US's involvement is Israel’s fault.
The remarks should be taken with a grain of salt. Since the war began on February 28, Trump has repeatedly flip-flopped, saying it could end soon while also threatening escalation. On one hand, Washington is ostensibly pushing for a ceasefire, but at the same time, thousands of US troops are being moved into the Middle East.
On the diplomacy front, the US reportedly sent a 15-point proposal calling for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and rolling back Iran’s nuclear programme. Trump has also stated that backchannel talks are underway.
Tehran has denied it's holding direct negotiations with Washington. An Iranian official, quoted by state TV, said the country has its own terms, including retaining sovereignty over the strait.
Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera that the regime has no faith in Washington honouring any talks, bluntly stating that "the trust level is at zero". Warning Trump against any further misadventure, he said "we are waiting for them" if US forces launch a ground offensive.