Trump Considers Multiple Exit Strategies for Iran Strike: 'I Can Extend It'

President Donald Trump is exploring various exit strategies from the impending U.S. military operation alongside Israel against Iran, stating in a recent phone interview that he could resolve the situation within days.

“I can extend it and take control of the entire situation, or I can wrap it up in two or three days and inform the Iranians, ‘See you again in a few years if you resume your nuclear and missile programs,’” Trump remarked. “Regardless, it will take them years to recover from this assault.”

The military initiative, dubbed “Operation Epic Fury” by the defense department, has sparked a divided reaction among GOP members, with some expressing concern over the prospect of foreign conflict and the absence of congressional consent.

Floating the notion of regime change, Trump defended the strike by asserting that Iran continues to advance its nuclear ambitions, including missile development aimed at the U.S.

“My administration is taking every conceivable measure to reduce risks to U.S. personnel in the area. However, I do not say this lightly: the Iranian regime aims to kill,” Trump stated while announcing the military action.

He added, “The lives of brave American heroes may be at stake, and we could face casualties. Such is the nature of war. But our actions are not just for today; they are for the future. This is a noble mission.”

Trump revealed to Axios that the military operation was partly prompted by unsuccessful negotiations earlier this week, led by real estate mogul Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner, regarding Iran’s nuclear activities. Additionally, he cited Iran's military behavior over the years as a significant factor.

“Every month, they engaged in some nefarious act, whether it was blowing something up or taking a life,” he noted.

According to two U.S. officials who spoke with Reuters, the military is bracing for a potentially extended operation against Iran.

However, Trump indicated that the timeline for the planned U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign, expected to last at least five days, could shift based on developments such as the fate of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

As of Saturday afternoon, senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, were reporting that Khamenei had been killed.