The United States government has indicated that its ongoing military campaign against Iran may continue for several weeks as operations intensify in the region.
The White House Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt, disclosed on Friday that the American military mission could last between four and six weeks while efforts continue to weaken Iran’s military capacity.
Speaking to journalists at the White House, Leavitt said the United States was already making significant progress in gaining control of Iran’s airspace as part of the operation.
She explained that Iran would be considered to have reached a stage of “unconditional surrender” once the US President, Donald Trump, determines that the country no longer poses a threat to American interests.
According to her, when the commander-in-chief concludes that the objectives of the mission known as Operation Epic Fury have been fully achieved, Iran would effectively be left with no option but to yield without conditions.
Trump had earlier stated that the only way the ongoing joint offensive by the United States and Israel could end is if Tehran accepts unconditional surrender.
The US President also noted that the conflict, which began about a week ago, might last between four and five weeks, although he warned that the duration could extend depending on how events unfold.
Meanwhile, the United States Defence Secretary, Pete Hegseth, said the military operation would continue for as long as necessary to accomplish its goals in Iran.
He maintained that Washington alone would determine the timeline for the campaign, stressing that the operation would not stop until its objectives were achieved.
Leavitt made the remarks ahead of a scheduled meeting between President Trump and leading defence contractors in Washington.
She also assured that the United States possessed sufficient military equipment to sustain its campaign against Iran if required.
The press secretary added that the US government was assessing various possible individuals who could assume leadership in Iran, although she declined to provide further details about those being considered.
