Trump Vows 4-5 Week Iran Campaign With Israel to End Nuclear Threat
Trump says the US and Israel are prepared for a prolonged military campaign against Iran, warning of casualties.
President Donald Trump stated that the US and Israel are prepared to sustain their military strikes on Iran for "four to five weeks" if necessary, signaling a prolonged campaign following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
In interviews aired March 1, 2026, Trump asserted the Pentagon has ample ammunition, troops, and stockpiles across global bases to maintain the operation's intensity without difficulty, despite warnings of rising American casualties. Describing the joint US-Israeli effort—codenamed "Epic Fury" by the Pentagon and "Roaring Lion" by Israel—as targeting Iran's missile sites, navy, and nuclear infrastructure, he reiterated calls for Iranian forces to surrender and civilians to overthrow the regime.
Iran's retaliation included missile barrages on 27 US bases, Israeli cities like Tel Aviv, and Gulf nations such as Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan, causing at least one Israeli fatality, 121 injuries, and interceptions of 49 drones. Tehran's Revolutionary Guards vowed their "most ferocious offensive," while a parliamentary speaker promised devastating blows amid a leadership vacuum with an interim three-member council.
Also Read: Trump Declares Iran Strikes Biggest, Most Complex in American History
This escalation unfolds as India navigates impacts: PM Modi chaired a CCS meeting on stranded citizens and oil risks from the Strait of Hormuz closure, urged Netanyahu on civilian safety, and launched Rs 4,400 crore Tamil Nadu projects emphasizing development. Delhi protests over Khamenei's death saw security beef-ups, US Level 3 advisories hit Bahrain-Qatar, and Quantum Strategy pushed energy-gold portfolios amid IT target cuts.
Trump's timeline counters Pentagon limits of 7-10 days due to munitions but aligns with prior threats, as CENTCOM footage showcased Tomahawk launches from USS Abraham Lincoln. Javed Akhtar likened the leaders to "bullies pushing others to the wall," echoing global fears.
As Iran enters 40-day mourning and survival mode with fresh Israeli Tehran strikes, markets brace for Brent Crude at $90/barrel and volatility, while diplomacy—from Modi's calls to stalled nuclear talks—falters. Evacuations and Holi bank holidays proceed amid uncertainty.
Also Read: Trump Urged Iranians to Rise Up, But Intelligence Says Odds are Grim
