'Will be out of Iran pretty quickly, could return...': Trump
What's the story
United States President Donald Trump has said that the US will be "out of Iran pretty quickly." The statement comes as military operations against Tehran continue. In an interview with Reuters, Trump indicated that while the US would withdraw its forces soon, it could return for "spot hits" if necessary. "I'll leave, and I'll take everybody with me, and if we have to, we'll come back to do spot hits," he was quoted as saying.
Nuclear deterrence
Main goal achieved: Trump
Trump said that the US military action had achieved its main goal of preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon. "They won't have a nuclear weapon because they are incapable of that now," he said. The president also said that regime change in Iran had occurred during the conflict, making a deal possible with the new leadership.
NATO tensions
Trump threatens to withdraw US from NATO
In his remarks, Trump also slammed the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) allies for not supporting US objectives in Iran. He said he was "absolutely" considering withdrawing the United States from NATO over what he sees as a lack of support from the alliance. This move could deepen concerns among US allies in Europe who see NATO as crucial to Western security and strategic coordination.
Upcoming speech
Address to focus on military posture, exit strategy
Trump's comments came just hours before he was set to deliver a primetime national address. The speech is expected to shed light on Washington's military posture, political objectives, and exit strategy in the Iran conflict. The administration has defended its strikes as necessary to blunt Iran's military and nuclear capabilities, but Trump's latest remarks indicate a desire to reassure domestic audiences against getting entangled in another long Middle Eastern war.