President Donald Trump has indicated the possibility of a U.S. troop withdrawal from Iran within the coming weeks, alongside a significant escalation in rhetoric concerning the ongoing regional conflict.

Potential Troop Withdrawal and Shifting Strategy

Trump told reporters at the White House he anticipates American troops leaving Iran in “two to three weeks,” asserting there is limited justification for continued U.S. involvement. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the President is scheduled to address the nation at 9 p.m. EST on Wednesday to provide an update on the situation.

Nuclear Deal and New Iranian Leadership

The President also suggested a new nuclear agreement with Iran is no longer a priority, stating the country’s nuclear capabilities have been substantially diminished. “Iran doesn’t have to make a deal,” he said, characterizing the current Iranian government as a “new regime” that is “much more accessible.” He added, “They won’t be able to come up with a nuclear weapon then we’ll leave whether we have a deal or not. It’s irrelevant now. It’s possible that we’ll have a deal because they want to make a deal.”

Ceasefire Conditions and Strait of Hormuz

Trump further escalated his stance on Wednesday, claiming Iran’s new leadership has requested a ceasefire. However, he stipulated that any pause in hostilities is contingent upon the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz – a crucial waterway for global oil shipments. “Iran’s new regime has just asked the United States of America for a ceasefire,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, describing the leadership as “much less radicalized.” He stated the U.S. would consider a ceasefire once the Strait is “open, free, and clear,” warning Iran risks being pushed “back to the Stone Ages” if it does not comply.

Iran Rejects Negotiations and Vows Resistance

Tehran, however, is signaling a commitment to a prolonged conflict. Iran’s foreign minister stated the country is prepared for “at least six months” of war and refuted U.S. claims of ongoing negotiations. “Negotiation is when two countries engage in talks to reach an agreement, and such a thing does not exist between us and the United States,” he said.

Continued Support for Regional Allies

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s supreme leader, reinforced this position, pledging continued support for anti-Israeli forces throughout the region. “I firmly declare that the consistent policy of the Islamic Republic of Iran is based on continuing to support the resistance against the Zionist-American enemy,” Khamenei said in a letter to the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

NATO and Global Economic Concerns

Published earlier Wednesday, Trump indicated he is reconsidering U.S. involvement in NATO, criticizing the alliance’s limited role in the conflict with Iran. “Oh yes, I would say it’s beyond reconsideration,” Trump said. “I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and Putin knows that too.”

The conflict is also raising concerns about the global economy. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. and Israeli strikes, impacting oil prices.

Escalating Regional Tensions

Tensions continue to escalate across the region, with Iran striking an oil tanker off the coast of Qatar and targeting Kuwait’s airport. Airstrikes have also targeted Tehran, including an apparent strike on the former U.S. Embassy compound. Israel has also claimed to have targeted a facility in Iran believed to be producing fentanyl.