• Trump claims the Iran war could end "soon," asserting little remains to target.
• Israeli officials emphasize there is no set timeline for concluding military operations.
• US intelligence reports significant damage to Iran's military capabilities.
• The war has sparked rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, affecting global oil prices.
• Officials remain uncertain about the conflict's ultimate endgame amidst domestic political pressures.

In a recent interview, US President Donald Trump asserted that the ongoing war with Iran could conclude "soon," stating there is "practically nothing left" for American forces to target. He claimed, "Any time I want it to end, it will end," alluding to his unilateral control over the war's timeline. Trump emphasized the progress made, declaring, "The war is going great. We are way ahead of the timetable" according to Indiatimes and AA.

Despite Trump's confident remarks, officials from both the US and Israel indicated that the military operations could continue for at least two more weeks, underscoring a lack of immediate plans for a ceasefire. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that military actions would proceed without a defined timeline until all objectives are met, reflecting a substantial commitment to the conflict on Israel's part according to AA and Al Jazeera.

US military leaders reported that over 5,500 targets, including Iran's naval assets, have been destroyed during the offensive. Commander Brad Cooper stated that the US strikes have significantly degraded Iran's military capabilities, which Trump echoed with claims of exceeding initial operational expectations. Notably, 16 Iranian mine-laying vessels were reportedly destroyed, highlighting ongoing strategic initiatives to secure crucial shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Indiatimes and Al Jazeera.

However, the conflict has fostered rising global tensions, particularly concerning the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for oil shipments. Reports indicated that Iran continues to threaten this key shipping route amidst ongoing military engagements, causing fluctuations in global oil prices and economic uncertainty. As reported by AA and Al Jazeera, the situation's volatility persists with multiple confrontations occurring near the strait.

As the US administration grapples with the implications of the ongoing conflict, domestic political pressures on Trump may also influence decisions regarding the war's trajectory. Uncertainties about the endgame remain, with Trump's previous statements about achieving "freedom" for the Iranian people now overshadowed by evolving military objectives that include crippling Iran's nuclear and military capabilities, according to Al Jazeera.