DUBAI, Mar 3: US President Donald Trump has signalled that the ongoing US–Israeli military offensive against Iran could extend for “four to five weeks or more,” as airstrikes continued to hit targets across the country amid rising regional tensions.
Speaking after the latest round of strikes, Trump described the campaign as an escalating effort aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile capabilities, destroying naval assets, preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons, and curbing its support for allied groups such as Hezbollah. “This was our last, best chance to strike,” Trump said, adding that he is prepared to continue operations longer if necessary to eliminate what he termed “intolerable threats.”
The expanding offensive has sparked fears of a prolonged conflict, particularly given the absence of a clearly articulated exit strategy. Concerns have also grown over potential regional fallout as hostilities widen beyond Iran’s borders.
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth sought to reassure the public that the campaign would not mirror past prolonged wars in the Middle East. “This is not Iraq. This is not endless,” Hegseth said, while acknowledging the possibility of further American casualties in the coming weeks. He emphasised that the objective is not regime change, though he remarked that “the regime sure did change, and the world is better off for it.”
However, Trump’s separate video appeal urging the Iranian people “to take back your country” has fuelled speculation about Washington’s broader intentions.
Meanwhile, tensions escalated further after Iran launched drone strikes targeting the US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. According to Saudi officials, two drones struck the compound early Tuesday, causing a limited fire and minor damage. The embassy subsequently advised American citizens to avoid the area.
The attack followed a similar incident involving the US Embassy in Kuwait. In response to the deteriorating security situation, the US State Department ordered the evacuation of non-emergency personnel and family members from diplomatic missions in Bahrain and Jordan as a precautionary measure.
