Trump says Iran war will end ‘soon’ as there is ‘practically nothing left to target’

Iran’s Araghchi hold telephonic talks with UN chief, Indian FM

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN :US President Donald Trump has said the war with Iran will end “soon” because there is “practically nothing left to target.” “Little this and that… Any time I want it to end, it will end,” he said during a five-minute phone interview with Axios on Wednesday.

Even as Trump publicly signals his ‘Operation Epic Fury’ has largely accomplished its objectives, US and Israeli officials say there has been no internal directive on when fighting might stop.

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation with UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres in which they “discussed and exchanged views regarding the latest developments following the attack and aggression of the US and Israeli regime against Iran,” the Islamic Republic’s Foreign Ministry wrote on X.

Araghchi discussed what the ministry termed “the various dimensions of the aggressive attack and American-Zionist war crimes,” noting that schools, hospitals, residential areas, as well as historical sites, have been targeted. These actions, the Iranian foreign minister said, “constitute a clear violation of international law and the fundamental principles of humanitarian law.”

In reference to the human consequences and damages due to the attacks, Araghchi called for “a decisive and explicit condemnation of these actions by the international community and responsible institutions,” the ministry wrote.

He further stressed Iran’s “inherent right to defend itself against this imposed war,” and stated that the Islamic Republic had warned relevant parties in the region and beyond, that in the event of US military action against Iran, the latter would target all American facilities and bases in the region. This, he said, would lead to the war expanding across the entire region.

“Araghchiemphasised that such actions would be taken within the framework of the right to self-defence and based on the recognised norms of international law,” the ministry wrote.

Furthermore, he referred to the UN’s responsibility to maintain international peace and security, noting the Iranian government’s expectation for Guterres to “adopt stronger and more responsible positions in explicitly condemning the aggression and crimes committed.” He noted that silence or inadequate reactions to such actions could pave the way for continued instability and the escalation of regional tensions.

Guterres, meanwhile, “emphasised the need to respect the principles of international law and avoid escalation of tension,” stating that there is no doubt regarding Iran’s right to defend itself.

Iranian FM, India’s Jaishankar discuss regional stability: Separately, Araghchi held a phone conversation with his Indian counterpart SubrahmanyamJaishankar, during which they discussed regional developments.

In a post on X, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said that Araghchi “detailed the crimes committed by the US and Israeli regime against the Iranian nation over the past 11 days.” This included the missile attack on a girls’ elementary school in Minab as well as attacks on civilian sites and public service centres.

According to the ministry, Araghchiemphasised Iran’s determination to defend Iranian integrity. He “described the aggressive act by the US and the Israeli regime as a violation of the fundamental principles and rules of the United Nations Charter and international law, noting that all governments have a responsibility to condemn this military aggression and blatant law-breaking.”

The foreign minister also discussed the consequences of the military aggression on the security of shipping and vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Araghchi told Jaishankar that “the insecure situation and problems arising for shipping in the Persian Gulf are a result of the aggressive and destabilising actions of the United States,” adding that the international community must hold the US accountable for this situation.

Jaishankaremphasised the “importance of continuing and enhancing bilateral relations between Tehran and New Delhi,” and also stressed the need for consultations to help restore regional stability. Web Desk