US president says any future military action would be brief while reiterating claims of being an Iranian target
ANKARA: US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he does not expect a full-scale conflict with Iran despite recent exchanges of military strikes between the two countries, while also warning that Washington was prepared to launch additional military action if necessary.
Speaking to reporters after the NATO summit in Ankara, Trump expressed confidence that tensions would not develop into a prolonged war. He said any renewed confrontation would end quickly, arguing that recent US military action had delivered a stronger response to Iranian attacks.
“I don’t think it’s going to start again,” Trump said. “Anything that happens is going to be over very quickly and will only make it safer, including for oil.”
His remarks came amid continued regional uncertainty following reciprocal military operations involving the United States and Iran, which have heightened concerns about stability across the Middle East and the security of global energy supplies.
Warning of further military action
Earlier in the day, Trump indicated that the United States was prepared to conduct additional strikes later on Wednesday night following attacks carried out the previous day.
Addressing journalists at the NATO summit, he said Washington would respond forcefully if required, signalling that the US military remained ready for further operations.
The comments reinforced the administration’s warning that it would continue taking military action if it believed American personnel, assets or interests were threatened.
Regional tensions remain elevated
Trump also repeated previous claims that he is personally a target of Tehran, stating that he believes he is at the top of what he described as Iran’s “kill list.”
Iranian officials had not immediately responded to Trump’s latest remarks at the time of reporting.
Meanwhile, international observers continue monitoring developments closely as diplomatic efforts and military preparedness unfold simultaneously. Analysts say any further escalation could have significant implications for regional security, maritime trade and global energy markets, despite Trump’s assertion that a broader conflict remains unlikely.
