Trump States US Will Soon Exit Iran and Expresses Disappointment with NATO

US President Donald Trump stated that the US war in Iran will soon end “in perhaps two weeks, or a few days longer to complete it. But we want to cripple everything they have.” This statement comes amid Trump’s claims that the main objectives of the military operation have been achieved. Although he mentioned four or five targets several times, he emphasised having only one goal: Iran must not possess nuclear weapons. According to him, that target has been achieved, though without detailed explanation. He also stated that the US is still open to a deal with Iran in the coming weeks. However, if not, “we will attack some bridges; we already have targets in mind. But if they want to negotiate, that would be good.” Trump also said Washington will not be involved in efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This stance demonstrates US pressure on allies, after Trump previously assessed that they contributed insufficiently to maintaining that vital shipping route. At the same time, from the Iranian side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that Tehran has not yet responded to the US’s 15-point proposal to end the war. He acknowledged receiving a direct message from US envoy Steve Witkoff but emphasised that it cannot yet be called a negotiation process. Rubio: US Will “Review” Relationship with NATO Amid tensions with Iran, dynamics are also shifting to US relations with its military allies. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington will “review” its relationship with NATO after the war ends. “Undoubtedly, after this conflict is over, we must reassess that relationship. We also need to reassess NATO’s value to our country,” Rubio told Fox News. He added that the final decision remains in Trump’s hands. Rubio also mentioned that he was previously a strong supporter of NATO while in the US Senate because he saw great benefits from the alliance. According to Rubio, one of NATO’s main benefits is the presence of military bases in Europe that allow the US to project power to various parts of the world. However, he warned that if NATO instead prevents the US from using those bases to protect its interests, then the alliance becomes an unbalanced relationship. This statement aligns with Trump’s criticisms during the conflict, who assessed that many European countries were reluctant to get directly involved in the war. France called for a diplomatic solution, along with Germany and the UK, which from the start urged the US to negotiate with Iran. Iran’s Foreign Minister Acknowledges “Direct Message” but Denies Negotiations On the other hand, communication between Iran and the US continues to flow, though not yet at the stage of official negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed receiving a “direct message” from US envoy Steve Witkoff. In an interview with Al Jazeera, Araghchi said, “What is happening now is not negotiation, but an exchange of messages, either directly or through our partners in the region.” He explained that the message contained threats or exchanges of views, but no specific Iranian institution is negotiating with the US. Communication between Tehran and Washington is said to occur through the Foreign Ministry, though he also acknowledged security apparatus communications without further details. Araghchi emphasised that Iran has not responded to the US’s 15-point proposal and has not put forward any conditions or proposals. He said Iran’s position is actually clear: Tehran demands guarantees that it will not be attacked again, as well as compensation for damages caused during the war. He also emphasised that Iran will not accept a ceasefire but wants the war to truly end, not only in Iran but throughout the region, referring to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon. Araghchi reiterated that Iran’s attacks on Gulf countries did not target those countries but US military assets. However, he also acknowledged that relations with neighbouring countries will be difficult to restore in the near future. Pope Leo Calls on Trump to Find a Way Out of the War Amid this escalation, calls to stop the war also come from world religious leaders. Pope Leo XIV issued a direct appeal to the US President to end the war in Iran. “I was informed that President Trump recently said he wants to end the war,” the Pope told reporters at Castel Gandolfo, near Rome. “I hope he is seeking a way out.” He added his hope for efforts to reduce violence and bombings. In recent weeks, the Pope has intensified criticism of the Iran war. He previously stated that God rejects prayers from those who start wars and have “hands stained with blood.” The Pope also highlighted the high number of casualties, including children, and hoped the violence could end before Easter on 5 April. “There have been too many victims, including innocent children,” he said. “Let us continue to call for peace.” He also added that too many parties are instead pushing for conflict and violence.