Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may soon scale back its military campaign in the Middle East linked to the conflict involving Iran.
In a post shared on Truth Social on Friday night, Trump said Washington was “approaching” the achievement of its military objectives.
He noted that the US was nearing its goals and was now weighing the possibility of reducing its military involvement in the region, particularly in relation to what he described as Iran’s regime.
According to Trump, the objectives include weakening Iran’s missile systems, dismantling its defence production capacity, neutralising its naval and air forces, limiting its nuclear capabilities, and safeguarding US allies in the Middle East, including Israel.
His remarks come as additional US forces move towards the region. A second Marine Expeditionary Unit, comprising roughly 2,200 personnel and three warships, has reportedly departed California earlier this week, according to CBS News, citing US officials.
The deployment follows an earlier unit already en route from the Pacific, with the second group expected to take several weeks before becoming operational.
Among the first group is the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship previously stationed in Japan. The vessel is designed to carry advanced aircraft, including F-35 stealth jets and Osprey tiltrotors.
Earlier reports suggested the Trump administration was considering deploying thousands more troops, signalling a potential escalation into a new phase of the conflict.
Despite this, Trump dismissed the idea of a ceasefire, telling reporters that halting operations was not an option while the US maintained a dominant position in the conflict. He added that he believed Israel would be willing to end the war when the US decides to do so.
Meanwhile, Iran’s supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, said the country’s adversaries were being “defeated.”