Washington: US President Donald Trump has walked back earlier suggestions of a quick withdrawal from the Iran conflict, declaring on Thursday that America intends to “finish the job” rather than exit prematurely.
Speaking at a White House briefing hours after Iran’s missile strike on a Qatari oil tanker, Trump struck a defiant tone. “We don’t want to leave early. We’re going to finish the job—strong, fast, and decisively,” he told reporters. The shift comes after days of mixed signals, including his recent claim that US forces could wrap up operations in “two to three weeks.”
The comments followed Iran’s launch of three cruise missiles at Qatar yesterday, with one hitting a QatarEnergy tanker in territorial waters near Ras Laffan. Qatar intercepted the other two. No casualties occurred, but the attack sent oil prices surging 4% to $88 per barrel. Trump linked the strike directly to US operations. “Iran hit our ally’s tanker because we’re hitting their capabilities. They want us gone—we stay till victory.”
Pentagon officials clarified that 40,000 US troops remain deployed across the Gulf alongside naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump praised the military but reiterated frustration with NATO allies. “Europe cheers our strikes but pays little. Time they step up,” he added.
Iranian state media called Trump’s rhetoric “empty threats from a failing empire.” Tehran claims over 1,340 deaths from US-Israel airstrikes since late February, vowing retaliation against American interests.
Analysts see strategic ambiguity. “Trump mixes tough talk with timeline hints—classic pressure tactic,” said Middle East expert Dr. Emily Carter. Gulf states hosting US bases heightened alerts after Qatar’s attack.
India monitors closely as 60% of its oil imports transit the Gulf. “Prolonged conflict guarantees fuel hikes and supply risks,” warned energy analyst Rajiv Singh.
Public opinion splits sharply. Supporters rally behind “finish the job”; critics fear mission creep. “No more endless wars was the promise,” tweeted activist Sarah Jones.
Trump’s pivot signals deeper US commitment amid Iran’s bold escalation, keeping global markets and oil-dependent economies like India on edge.
