U.S. President Donald Trump engaged in a heated exchange with a journalist on Thursday while responding to questions about the duration and progress of the ongoing conflict with Iran.
During a press briefing, Trump was asked about the timeline of the war, now in its eighth week, after earlier projections from his administration suggested it could be concluded within four to six weeks.
The president said he had initially “hoped” for a shorter campaign but declined to commit to a specific timeframe. He pointed to the current ceasefire and claimed that Iran’s military had been significantly weakened in the early phase of the conflict.
“I didn’t want to put that kind of timetable on it,” Trump said, adding that the United States had already achieved substantial military success.
Trump also asserted that the U.S. has “total control” of the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route, and stated that he had ordered its closure to limit Iran’s revenue until a deal is reached.
The exchange escalated when journalist Jasmine Wright pressed the president on concerns from Americans over the prolonged conflict and its impact on rising fuel prices.
Trump interrupted the question and criticised the reporter, questioning whether she had listened to his earlier remarks. He compared the situation to the Vietnam War, suggesting that conflicts can extend beyond initial expectations.
Wright responded by noting that the war had already exceeded the administration’s earlier six-week projection.
In reply, Trump maintained that the U.S. had largely completed its military objectives within the first month of operations.
“We took the country out militarily in the first four weeks,” he said, adding that the U.S. is now assessing potential diplomatic outcomes but would “finish it up militarily” if necessary.
The exchange comes amid growing scrutiny over the duration of the conflict and its economic implications, particularly rising energy costs affecting American consumers.
