Trump Says Iran Clash Could Last Four Weeks as Operation Epic Fury Expands

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump framed the latest phase of the Iran operation as a defined but potentially short window of intense action, saying the conflict could last up to four weeks as 'Operation Epic Fury' pushes ahead with full intensity. He described the campaign as a sustained but time-limited effort aimed at Iran’s military infrastructure, naming targets across the country from Revolutionary Guard facilities to air defense batteries and naval assets. Trump said U.S. and allied forces struck hundreds of targets within 36 hours, destroying multiple vessels and key sites, a pace officials described as a sign the campaign is rapidly shifting the battlefield. Even as diplomacy remains technically possible, he signaled skepticism about imminent talks, arguing that any negotiated settlement would have to address what he framed as Iran’s expanding capabilities and regional ambitions.

Analysts say the remarks suggest a prolonged military phase rather than a quick escalation, with risks accumulating across a volatile region. The description of a 'big country' campaign signals a shift from limited strikes to a more sustained pressure campaign, raising questions about how far the United States and its allies are prepared to go to constrain Iran’s military reach. The broader strategy appears to center on crippling key nodes of Iran’s defense and maritime operations, while avoiding a rapid political settlement that could avert a wider conflict.

Financial markets and energy traders are watching closely, with investors facing new uncertainty as the U.S. and its partners press forward in what markets describers call a riskier landscape. The week ahead could bring volatility in oil prices and in equities tied to the region’s energy and defense sectors. The lack of immediate talks, combined with visible military activity, could push prices higher or spur safe-haven flows as investors weigh potential spillovers to global trade and supply lines.

On the diplomatic front, Tehran has signaled it would continue to pursue dialogue through channels it still considers open, but the tone from Washington has grown firmer about the conditions for any talks. As casualties mount and regional actors react, officials said the campaign is intended to degrade Iran’s military capacity while maintaining a narrow window for diplomacy, a balance that will be hard to sustain if actions on the ground continue at the current tempo.

Looking ahead, regional observers warn that a four-week timeline could still leave room for sudden shifts in posture or negotiated settlements, depending on how the United States and its partners calibrate further strikes and the global response.

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