Trump Says Ground Troops Not Necessary in Iran, Hints at Extended Military Campaign

Alanbatnews -

U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he does not believe deploying ground troops to Iran will be necessary, while suggesting the ongoing military campaign could extend beyond the initial timeframe.

Trump indicated that the response to the attack targeting the U.S. embassy in Riyadh and the deaths of American soldiers during the conflict with Iran would be revealed soon, according to a News Nation correspondent, as reported by Reuters.

The Saudi Ministry of Defense reported an attack on the U.S. embassy in Riyadh involving two drones, resulting in a limited fire and minor material damage to the building.

Trump sought to justify the extensive and open-ended military action against Iran, offering his most comprehensive remarks to date regarding the operation, which has seen shifts in its stated objectives and timeline since commencing earlier in the week.

The U.S. and Israeli air strikes, initiated on Saturday, are expected to continue for four to five weeks, potentially longer, according to Trump.

The military campaign has reportedly resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the sinking of at least 10 Iranian warships, and strikes on over a thousand targets.

"We are already significantly ahead of our projected timeline, but if it takes longer, that's okay," Trump stated.

Trump did not mention regime change, asserting that the strikes are necessary to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, which Tehran denies pursuing, and to thwart its long-range ballistic missile program.

"An Iranian regime armed with long-range missiles and nuclear weapons would pose an unacceptable threat to the Middle East, as well as to the American people," Trump said.

These statements followed days of conflicting remarks.

Upon announcing the strikes, Trump urged Iranians to "reclaim their country," hinting at a regime change objective.

He also stated he was open to discussions with anyone emerging to lead Iran, while noting that the U.S. and Israeli strikes had eliminated many potential leaders.

The timeline for the Iranian operation has also shifted since its commencement. Trump initially suggested it could take "four weeks or less," later stating it could last four to five weeks. In subsequent remarks, he left the door open for a longer duration to achieve its objectives.