Statements from Donald Trump and members of his administration have created growing uncertainty about the direction and possible end of the war involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
The military campaign, which has entered its 11th day, has unsettled U.S. allies and shaken global markets, leaving analysts unsure about Washington’s final objectives in the conflict.
Conflicting messages from the White House
In recent days, Trump has delivered a series of statements that appear to contradict each other regarding the progress and timeline of the war.
After U.S. stock markets fell and global oil prices surged, the president began speaking directly with journalists by phone in what seemed to be an effort to calm economic concerns.
However, his responses often lacked clear details.
“I have a plan for everything,” Trump said in a conversation with a reporter, when asked about rising oil prices.
In a separate interview with CBS, Trump suggested that the conflict might already be nearing its conclusion.
“We’re actually ahead of schedule,” he said.
Yet when reporters asked whether that meant the military operation would end soon, Trump replied that the decision would depend on his own judgment.
Economic impact of the war
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his remarks, Trump’s comments appeared to have an immediate economic effect.
Global markets recovered some losses, and oil prices — which had previously surged to around $120 per barrel — later fell to roughly $90 per barrel.
The conflict has already disrupted shipping routes in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil transit routes.
Shifting goals of the military campaign
Only days earlier, Trump had insisted that the war would continue until Iran “surrenders unconditionally.”
But later remarks suggested that the operation could soon be declared a success.
At one point, Trump said:
“We could call it a big victory right now, or we could continue. We will continue.”
He also warned that the United States would intensify attacks if Iran threatened oil tankers operating in the Persian Gulf.
Pentagon signals possible escalation
Meanwhile, the U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth suggested that the most powerful phase of the campaign might not yet have begun.
Speaking in a media interview, he said American forces could deploy heavier weapons, including 500-pound, 1,000-pound, and 2,000-pound bombs targeting military infrastructure.
“We are capable of extraordinary actions,” Hegseth said, adding that the most intense stage of the operation may still lie ahead.
Broader strategic goals
Trump has said the main objective of the conflict is to prevent Iran from developing weapons capable of threatening the United States, Israel, or other American allies in the future.
Some analysts believe achieving such a goal could require major political changes within Iran’s leadership structure.
However, with Washington sending mixed signals about whether the war is close to ending or entering a new phase, observers say it remains difficult to determine the administration’s long-term strategy.
For now, the situation leaves diplomats, investors, and regional governments searching for clearer answers about how and when the conflict might finally come to an end.
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