Trump says Iran operation could last a month or longer

President Trump said the U.S. military operation in Iran could last a month or longer and described the campaign, called Operation Epic Fury, as being ahead of its earlier four-to-five week timeline.

President Donald Trump said Monday that U.S. military operations in Iran could last a month or longer. He spoke at a White House Medal of Honor ceremony while honoring four servicemembers killed in recent retaliatory strikes. Trump described the campaign as Operation Epic Fury and outlined objectives including limits on Iran's missile and naval capabilities and its nuclear work. He said the administration believed it was ahead of its initial four-to-five week projection and that forces could continue as long as necessary. Officials' accounts: - The White House described ongoing large-scale U.S. operations in Iran under the name Operation Epic Fury. - The president said the campaign was originally projected at four to five weeks but that the U.S. had the capability to continue longer and that parts of the plan were completed ahead of schedule. - Four U.S. servicemembers were reported killed in recent retaliatory strikes, which Trump mentioned during his remarks. - Trump declined to rule out the possible use of ground troops, saying combat forces may be needed. Summary: The president's remarks outline U.S. objectives and timelines for the campaign and emphasize that operations may extend beyond initial projections. Undetermined at this time.