US President Donald Trump has predicted that the ongoing military operation against Iran could last “four weeks or less” as US and Israeli forces maintain airstrikes on Iranian targets, while Tehran continues retaliatory attacks on Gulf states, Israel, and American positions in the region.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump said the campaign was progressing “as per plan,” adding that US forces had eliminated 48 senior Iranian leaders. “It’s always been a four-week process. As strong as it is, it’s a big country; it’ll take four weeks—or less,” he said. The president described the strikes as essential to preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons or long-range missiles capable of reaching the United States.
The conflict entered its third day on Monday following a joint US–Israeli operation on Saturday that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior commanders. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on Gulf nations hosting US bases, escalating tensions across the region.
The US military reported its first casualties in the offensive on Sunday. Three US Army soldiers deployed in Kuwait for logistics operations were killed, and five others sustained serious injuries. Several additional personnel suffered minor shrapnel wounds and concussions but are expected to return to duty, according to US Central Command. Trump acknowledged the risk of further American losses, stating, “Sadly, there will likely be more before it ends. That’s the way it is.” He also vowed on his social media platform to avenge the deaths of US servicemen and urged Iranians to challenge their government.
Meanwhile, Iran and Iranian-backed militias, including Lebanon-based Hezbollah, continued to strike Israeli and Arab targets. Iranian media reported more than 200 fatalities since Saturday, while emergency services in Israel confirmed nine deaths and 27 injuries in a missile strike on Beit Shemesh. In the United Arab Emirates, three people died and 58 were injured following Iranian missile and drone attacks. Gulf Arab authorities warned they could respond to Iran’s strikes after key infrastructure was targeted.
Trump characterized the operation as a decisive step to achieve “very strong objectives,” without providing further specifics. The US and Israel continue air operations across Iran, with officials indicating that more strikes may be carried out in the coming days. The escalating hostilities have raised concerns of a broader regional conflict, as casualties mount on both sides and Gulf nations weigh potential retaliation.
Analysts have noted that the operation occurs amid ongoing indirect US–Iran nuclear negotiations, highlighting the tension between diplomatic efforts and military action. As the conflict intensifies, international attention remains focused on the strategic and humanitarian impact of the strikes across the Middle East.
