Trump Says US to Leave Iran ‘Pretty Quickly’ And Return If Needed/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ President Donald Trump said the United States will leave Iran “pretty quickly” but may return for targeted strikes. Trump also criticized NATO allies and said he is considering withdrawing from the alliance. He claimed Iran is now incapable of developing nuclear weapons and suggested a possible deal with new leadership.
Trump Iran War Exit NATO Criticism — Quick Looks
- Trump says U.S. leaving Iran “pretty quickly”
- Possible return for “spot hits” if needed
- Trump plans national address at 9 p.m. EDT
- President criticizes NATO for lack of support
- Trump “absolutely” considering NATO withdrawal
- Claims Iran incapable of developing nuclear weapons
- Iran denies pursuing nuclear weapons program
- Trump cites regime change after Khamenei death
- Suggests opportunity for new agreement with Iran
- War enters fifth week amid rising oil prices
Deep Look: Trump Says US to Leave Iran ‘Pretty Quickly’ And Return If Needed
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States plans to exit the ongoing conflict in Iran “pretty quickly,” while leaving open the possibility of returning for targeted military strikes if necessary. His comments came during a phone interview with Reuters, just hours before a scheduled primetime national address outlining the administration’s next steps in the conflict.
With the war entering its fifth week, Trump faces increasing pressure to identify a path toward ending hostilities. Rising gasoline prices and global energy disruptions have intensified calls for an off-ramp to the conflict, making the president’s evening address a highly anticipated moment for U.S. policy direction.
Trump indicated that American forces would soon withdraw from Iran after achieving key objectives, particularly regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities. However, he emphasized that the United States would maintain the ability to conduct future strikes if needed.
“They won’t have a nuclear weapon because they are incapable of that now, and then I’ll leave, and I’ll take everybody with me, and if we have to we’ll come back to do spot hits,” Trump told Reuters.
Iran has consistently denied pursuing nuclear weapons, maintaining that its nuclear program is designed for peaceful purposes such as energy production and scientific research. Nonetheless, Trump argued that recent U.S. military actions have significantly weakened Iran’s nuclear capabilities.
The president also suggested that recent developments inside Iran could create opportunities for diplomatic engagement. Trump referenced the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in airstrikes, describing the situation as a regime change that could open the door for negotiations.
“We have had full regime change,” Trump said. “I’m dealing with a very good chance that we’ll make a deal because they don’t want to be blasted anymore.”
Trump acknowledged that regime change was not originally part of his strategy but said the conflict’s casualties resulted in new leadership in Tehran. He expressed optimism that the new leadership might pursue an agreement with Washington.
“I didn’t need regime change, but we got it because of the casualties of war. We got it,” Trump added. “So we have regime change and the big thing we have is they’re not going to have a nuclear weapon.”
Despite concerns about Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium, Trump downplayed the risk, saying the material was deeply buried and could be monitored remotely.
“That’s so far underground, I don’t care about that,” Trump said. “We’ll always be watching it by satellite.”
Trump’s remarks came as he also intensified criticism of NATO, arguing that allies had failed to provide adequate support during the Iran conflict. The president said he plans to address his dissatisfaction with the alliance in his national speech.
“They haven’t been friends when we needed them,” Trump told Reuters. “We’ve never asked them for much … it’s a one-way street.”
Trump confirmed he is “absolutely” considering attempting to withdraw the United States from NATO, a move that would represent a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy. NATO, established in 1949 and ratified by the U.S. Senate, has long served as a cornerstone of Western defense cooperation.
The potential withdrawal threat comes as the conflict in Iran continues to affect global energy markets. Rising fuel prices have increased domestic pressure on the administration, particularly ahead of upcoming political milestones.
Trump declined to provide a precise timeline for ending the war but reiterated his belief that U.S. involvement would conclude soon.
“I can’t tell you exactly … we’re going to be out pretty quickly,” he said.
The president’s day also included a historic visit to the Supreme Court earlier Wednesday, adding to the significance of the anticipated evening address. Officials expect Trump’s remarks to outline military objectives, diplomatic efforts, and potential withdrawal timelines.
As the conflict continues, Trump’s comments reflect a dual strategy: preparing for a near-term withdrawal while maintaining the option for targeted military intervention if tensions escalate again.
The coming days may determine whether the administration moves toward de-escalation, negotiation, or continued military engagement in one of the most consequential conflicts of Trump’s second term.
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