US Troops to Be Withdrawn from Iran in 2-3 Weeks, Says Trump

Washington (ANTARA) - President Donald Trump stated that US troops will leave Iran within two to three weeks, signalling the end of attacks on the country.

“What I have to do is just leave Iran, and we will do it soon,” Trump told reporters on Tuesday (31/3).

“We will leave soon,” he said, adding that it would happen in “maybe two weeks, maybe three weeks.”

“If France or other countries want to get oil or gas, they will go through the Strait (of Hormuz). They will be able to defend themselves. I think it will be very safe, but we have nothing to do with it,” he said.

The US and Israel have conducted airstrikes against Iran since 28 February, which have so far killed more than 1,340 people, according to the Iranian government.

Iran retaliated with drone and missile attacks on Israel and several areas hosting US military assets in Gulf countries.

According to official US data, at least 13 of their soldiers have been killed since the war began. The conflict has also driven up energy prices and disrupted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil shipments.

Trump claimed that the US administration’s goal of preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons has been achieved.

“They will not have nuclear weapons. And that goal has been achieved,” he said.

The US attacks have greatly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, said Trump, adding that Iran would need “15 to 20 years” to rebuild its strength.

“If they come to the negotiating table, that’s good. But it doesn’t matter if they come or not, we have pushed them back,” he said.

Trump also claimed that a “regime change” has occurred in Iran, referring to the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

“We have toppled one regime, then toppled the second regime. Now there is a very different group,” he said. “I think they are much more moderate.”