Mixed signals from Washington have thrown fresh uncertainty over the future of the ongoing conflict, now entering its fifth week, as President Donald Trump suggested a rapid withdrawal could be on the horizon.
Speaking at the White House, Trump indicated that U.S. forces could begin pulling out ‘very soon,’ placing the timeline at roughly two to three weeks, while making it clear that any exit would not depend on reaching an agreement with Iran.
Despite earlier pressure from the United States for Tehran to accept a detailed ceasefire framework, which included halting uranium enrichment, abandoning nuclear ambitions and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Trump insisted that a deal was not a requirement to bring the operation to a close, as reported by the Daily Maverick.
The White House later confirmed that Trump is expected to address the nation with a major update on Iran, adding to anticipation around Washington’s next move.
Even as the president downplayed the need for diplomacy, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth maintained that a negotiated settlement remains on the table, highlighting the contrasting tones within the administration.
Meanwhile, efforts to secure critical shipping routes are intensifying, with reports indicating that the United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist the U.S. and its allies in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force, a passage responsible for roughly a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows.
The UAE is also said to be pursuing backing from the United Nations Security Council, including proposals that could see strategic islands occupied to stabilise the route.
On the diplomatic front, Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi acknowledged receiving direct messages from U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, though he rejected the idea that formal negotiations are underway, describing the exchanges as indirect communication delivered through intermediaries.
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At the same time, tensions escalated further as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning targeting major U.S. companies operating in the region, naming global giants such as Microsoft, Google, Apple, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing, with potential action set to begin from Wednesday evening.
Trump dismissed concerns over the threats, while also turning his attention to U.S. allies, criticising countries, including NATO member Britain, for what he described as insufficient support during the conflict.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio echoed that sentiment, suggesting that Washington may need to reassess its relationship with allies once the war concludes, even as he hinted that the end of the conflict could be within reach.
Elsewhere, the situation on the ground continues to deteriorate, with renewed violence involving Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah, including deadly strikes in the Beirut area that left multiple casualties.
With no clear resolution in sight, diplomatic efforts are widening, as countries such as Pakistan step forward in an attempt to mediate and ease tensions in a conflict that continues to ripple across the region.
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