Donald Trump says US objectives in Iran include destroying nuclear capabilities and sustaining strikes for up to five weeks if necessary.3 min readMar 3, 2026 12:01 AM IST First published on: Mar 2, 2026 at 11:48 PM IST ShareWhatsapptwitterFacebookPresident Donald Trump speaking before participating in a Medal of Honor ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington. (AP Photo)US President Donald Trump, in his address during the Medal of Honour ceremony at the White House on Monday, said that Iran ignored Washington’s warning not to restart its nuclear program and added that America’s objectives in the conflict are “clear” which includes destroying Tehran’s nuclear capabilities, ending its nuclear ambitions and wrecking its navy.US-Israel-Iran War Live: Follow Latest News Updates HereThis comes after the US president pressed ahead with military strikes against Iran and on Sunday said that the US military intends to sustain its assault on Tehran for “four to five weeks” if necessary.“Iran refused to cease their pursuit of nuclear weapons,” said Trump referring to Tehran ignoring White House’s warnings with respect to their nuclear program.A black plume of smoke rises from a warehouse at the industrial area of Sharjah City in the United Arab Emirates following reports of Iranian strikes in Dubai. (AP Photo)The US president added that Iran “can’t continue to arm, fund and direct terrorist armies outside their borders.” Earlier, the Republican leader had said in an interview with CNN that a “big wave” in the Iran war is yet to come..@POTUS: "Our objectives are clear. First, we're destroying Iran's missile capabilities… Second, we're annihilating their navy… Third, we're ensuring that the world's number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon… And finally, we're ensuring that the… pic.twitter.com/Ib050KttSB— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 2, 2026Providing updates in the ongoing operation, Trump set an initial projection of four-five weeks and said that the mission is “substantially ahead” of time. He added that the US has the “capability to go far longer.”The president said the strikes, which began jointly with Israel on Saturday, are projected to ensure that the Islamic nation “can never obtain a nuclear weapon.” He further added Iran’s clerical regime was “on the road to getting one legitimately” under an agreement signed by former President Barack Obama.Most ReadStory continues below this adDetailing about the negotiation talks with Iran which was stalled and led to strikes and war in the region, Trump said, “We thought we had a deal, but then they backed out. And they came back and we thought we had a deal, and they backed out.”Trump had earlier said in an interview that it “won’t be difficult” for Washington and Tel Aviv to maintain the intensity of the attack as he cautioned that more American casualties may occur, after US Central Command confirmed the deaths of four service members during the Iran operation.AdvertisementLoading Taboola...Live BlogDubai News Live Updates: Etihad’s evacuation flight from Abu Dhabi lands in India2 minutes agoUS Iran War News Live Updates: ‘I don’t get bored’: Trump says US has capability to continue Iran ops beyond 4 weeks9 minutes agoNews Today Live Updates, 2 March | US warns of more casualties as Iran conflict widens; Trump says won’t rule out ground ops9 minutes agoAllu Sirish, Nayanika Reddy Pre-Wedding Reception Live Updates: Ram Charan, Nagarjuna, Nani, Allu Arjun turn heads at event1 hour agoAP SSC 10th Class Hall Ticket 2026 Live Updates: BSEAP SSC Hall Tickets out, steps to download5 hours ago