Trump says he thinks war with Iran will end 'pretty soon'

Donald Trump said the conflict with Iran could end soon and that planned US strikes had been paused. He also acknowledged tighter supplies of some munitions as Washington pursued a broader agreement.

In Short

• Washington paused planned strikes after requests from Iran and regional countries
• Trump said some US munitions remain plentiful, while others are tighter
• Defence manufacturers are expanding capacity, including new Patriot and Tomahawk facilities

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that he believes the ongoing conflict with Iran could end in the near future, while acknowledging that the US military is facing constraints in the supply of some munitions after months of fighting.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump expressed optimism about the trajectory of the war, saying he did not expect the conflict to drag on much longer.

"I think it's going to end pretty soon. I don't think they can go much longer," Trump said, referring to Iran.

His remarks came days after he announced that the United States had put planned military strikes on hold following requests from Iran and several Middle Eastern countries, which he said were aimed at creating space for a broader agreement.

Addressing questions about US weapons stockpiles, Trump said the military remained well-equipped but acknowledged shortages in certain categories of munitions.

"We have certain types of munitions that are very powerful, that we have unlimited, virtual unlimited supply. We have others where it's a little bit tighter," he said.

Trump added that US defence manufacturers were expanding production capacity, including new facilities for Patriot and Tomahawk missiles.

On Sunday, Trump revealed that he had agreed to cancel planned strikes against Iran after what he described as progress toward a potential deal. According to the US president, the framework under discussion includes the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and measures aimed at addressing concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the emerging agreement would involve the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. He said the pause in US military action would remain in place only if a final agreement is reached quickly.

The latest developments follow months of military escalation between Washington and Tehran. A US-Iran ceasefire brokered earlier this year eventually collapsed amid allegations of violations by both sides and renewed hostilities in and around the Strait of Hormuz, prompting fresh US strikes on Iranian military targets.

Despite the continuing tensions, Trump's latest comments suggest the administration believes a negotiated settlement may now be within reach.

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