President Donald Trump indicated that the United States has the capability to bring its conflict with Iran to a rapid conclusion but expressed uncertainty about whether a swift end is the preferred course of action.

Speaking to reporters on the White House South Lawn before departing for Florida on October 23, 2026, Trump stated, "We could end it very quickly," referring to the ongoing hostilities between the U.S. and Iran. However, he posed a rhetorical question about the strategic approach, asking whether the goal should be to "finish it off" or to allow the conflict to "wither" over time.

Trump also addressed concerns regarding oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint for global energy supplies that has been a focal point in tensions between the two nations. He asserted that oil continues to flow through the strait without disruption, saying, "We are getting everything we want."

The comments come amid ongoing uncertainty about the trajectory of U.S. policy toward Iran following a period of heightened military and diplomatic tensions. Trump's remarks suggest a weighing of options between pursuing an expedited resolution or adopting a more gradual strategy for managing the conflict.