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Trump Make Iran Great Again War Could Last Weeks
Mar
Trump Make Iran Great Again War Could Last Weeks
Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically this week as U.S. President Donald Trump said military operations against Iran could last “four to five weeks,” while also warning that the campaign is prepared “to go far longer” if necessary. His remarks underscore the growing scale of a conflict that is no longer confined to isolated strikes but is rapidly reshaping the region’s security landscape.
Missiles, Militias, and Regional Spillover
The fighting intensified as Iran launched missiles across the region and allied militias joined the confrontation in response to Israeli and American strikes. Hezbollah fired rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel, prompting swift Israeli counterstrikes. At the same time, Iranian and Iranian-backed forces targeted sites in Israel and several Arab states, reportedly striking near the U.S. Embassy compound in Kuwait. Meanwhile, U.S. and Israeli forces expanded their aerial campaign inside Iran, hitting targets across more than 130 cities, according to Iranian authorities.
Casualty figures continue to climb. Iranian officials say at least 555 people have been killed in the U.S.-Israeli campaign, while Israel has reported 11 deaths. In Lebanon, 31 people have been killed amid the cross-border exchanges. The widening conflict has displaced families, damaged infrastructure, and heightened fears of an even broader regional war.
Pentagon’s Message: “Not Endless”
At the Pentagon, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the operation as the “most precise aerial operation in history.” Rejecting comparisons to past prolonged wars, he insisted: “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.” Hegseth emphasized that the United States is not pursuing nation-building or regime change, but instead carrying out a defined mission. Nevertheless, the duration and scope outlined by President Trump suggest a campaign that could extend well beyond initial expectations.
Complicating matters further, the U.S. military revealed that Kuwait “mistakenly shot down” three American F-15E Strike Eagles during a combat mission, though all crew members were recovered safely. The incident highlights the dangers of miscalculation in a battlespace crowded with aircraft, drones, and missile systems from multiple nations.
Rising Diplomatic Tensions
Diplomatic strains are emerging alongside the military escalation. Cyprus has protested Britain’s use of military bases on the island for operations beyond humanitarian purposes, while Greece has deployed frigates and fighter jets to bolster Cyprus’ defenses. Britain maintains it is not formally at war, even as Iranian-made drones targeted RAF Akrotiri.
Meanwhile, Russia has stepped into diplomatic discussions. President Vladimir Putin spoke with Gulf leaders, signaling Moscow’s interest in mediating or at least influencing the trajectory of the conflict.
Global Markets on Edge
The economic impact was immediate. Oil prices surged amid tanker disruptions near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies. Brent crude climbed sharply, while shipping traffic through the strait reportedly dropped significantly following the initial strikes. Gold prices rose as investors sought safe havens, and stock markets in Europe and Asia declined.
Energy infrastructure has also been targeted. QatarEnergy announced it would halt liquefied natural gas production after military attacks struck facilities in Ras Laffan and Mesaieed. Drone and missile incidents in the Gulf of Oman and near Abu Dhabi further illustrate how the conflict is rippling outward, threatening global supply chains.
Calls for Diplomacy Amid Escalation
Despite the mounting violence, international officials continue to call for renewed dialogue. Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, emphasized that “there will have to be dialogue at some point” regarding Iran’s nuclear program.
Inside Iran, political uncertainty deepens. Cleric Alireza Arafi, now part of Iran’s temporary leadership council, has expressed hope that a new supreme leader will be appointed quickly to replace Ali Khamenei. Leadership transition during wartime adds another layer of unpredictability to an already volatile situation.
A Decisive Moment for the Region
As missiles fly, markets tremble, and global powers maneuver diplomatically, the central question remains: how long can this confrontation continue without spiraling into a full-scale regional war? With President Trump signaling readiness for an extended campaign and multiple regional actors directly involved, the coming weeks may prove decisive-not only for Iran and Israel, but for the broader Middle East and the global economy.
