'Will Be Out Pretty Quickly, Could Return Only For Spot Hits’: Trump Reiterates Iran Exit Plan

Last Updated:April 01, 2026, 19:30 IST

Trump says US will leave Iran conflict quickly after key goals, may return for spot hits, claims Iran cannot get nuclear weapon, considers US withdrawal from NATO

US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the United States would be “out of Iran pretty quickly", signalling that Washington does not intend to remain deeply involved in the conflict for long, even as it continues military operations against Tehran.

In remarks to Reuters ahead of a scheduled primetime address to the nation, Trump said the United States could still return for “spot hits" if required after withdrawing its forces.

“I can’t tell you exactly… we’re going to be out pretty quickly," Trump said when asked when the Iran war would be considered over.

The US president said American military action had already achieved a central objective — ensuring that Iran would not be able to acquire a nuclear weapon.

“They won’t have a nuclear weapon because they are incapable of that now," Trump said, adding that the US would pull out after completing its immediate goals.

“I’ll leave, and I’ll take everybody with me, and if we have to, we’ll come back to do spot hits," he said.

Signals Of A Limited Military Campaign

Trump’s remarks suggest the White House is seeking to frame the current operation as a limited military intervention, rather than a prolonged conflict or open-ended regional war.

The reference to possible future “spot hits" indicates Washington may be considering a model of intermittent strikes to deter or punish Iranian activity, without maintaining a sustained troop presence on the ground.

His comments come amid growing scrutiny over the scope of US military action in and around Iran, as well as concerns over how long Washington is prepared to remain directly engaged.

Trump Targets NATO Over Iran

Trump also widened his criticism of NATO, saying he would use his address to express his frustration with what he sees as the alliance’s lack of support for US objectives in Iran.

He said he was “absolutely" considering trying to withdraw the United States from NATO, reviving one of the most controversial foreign policy positions associated with his presidency.

The remarks are likely to deepen concerns among US allies, particularly in Europe, where NATO is viewed as central to Western security and strategic coordination.

Primetime Address Expected To Outline Next Steps

Trump’s comments came just hours before he was expected to deliver a primetime national address, which is likely to provide further details on Washington’s military posture, political objectives and exit strategy in the Iran conflict.

While the administration has repeatedly defended its strikes as necessary to blunt Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities, Trump’s latest remarks suggest he is also keen to reassure domestic audiences that the US does not plan to stay entangled in another long war in the Middle East.

For now, the message from the White House appears to be that the mission is meant to be short, forceful and reversible, with the option of future strikes still on the table if Iran is seen as reconstituting its capabilities.

News world 'Will Be Out Pretty Quickly, Could Return Only For Spot Hits’: Trump Reiterates Iran Exit Plan

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