Washington: U.S. President Donald Trump announced on Monday that his administration anticipates the military operation against Iran to span four to five weeks, while also emphasizing America's ability to extend the operation significantly longer if necessary. This statement was made during a Medal of Honor ceremony for three U.S. Army soldiers, following a surprise coordinated attack by the United States and Israel on Iran, which resulted in the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Trump highlighted the strength of the U.S. military, stating that America has the "strongest and most powerful" military globally and expressed confidence in prevailing in the conflict. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, speaking at a press conference, assured that the operation, codenamed "Operation Epic Fury," would not be indefinite, though achieving the U.S.'s combat objectives would take time.

Trump outlined the operation's objectives, which include dismantling Iran's missile capabilities, destroying its Navy, and preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. Additionally, he emphasized stopping Iran from supporting and directing terrorist groups beyond its borders.

In a discussion with The New York Post, Trump did not rule out deploying U.S. ground troops into Iran if deemed necessary, indicating a flexible approach to military strategy. Secretary of State Marco Rubio further clarified that while ground forces are not currently planned, the focus remains on dismantling Iran's ballistic missile capabilities, with the possibility of ground troop deployment remaining open.

CENTCOM, in a social media update, reported significant progress, noting the absence of Iranian naval vessels in the Gulf of Oman, a region previously plagued by Iranian maritime harassment. CENTCOM also provided casualty figures, reporting six U.S. troop fatalities and over 550 Iranian deaths, as the operation against Iran continues.