Trump predicts conflict with Iran to end soon, but won't commit to timeline

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Jessica Steinberg for today's episode.

During a briefing and in a one-on-one phone interview with Magid, US President Donald Trump discusses a possible timeframe for ending the war with Iran, a decision he says will be made with Israel. The US leader notes that if the regime harms oil exports, he will strike Iran harder than before.

Magid notes that Trump is not happy with the choice of the new Iranian leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, but isn't discussing his removal, unlike Israel, which has not ruled out his assassination. He also discusses whether Trump is betraying anti-regime protestors by not creating a government that will support them.

There appears to be some behind-the-scenes discomfort with the war against Iran from Vice President JD Vance, reports Magid, although the Vice President has been publicly supportive of the continued operation.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Trump: Iran war could be over soon, but not this week; oil disruption would trigger harsher strikes

Trump to Times of Israel: It’ll be a ‘mutual’ decision with Netanyahu regarding when Iran war ends

Netanyahu tells Iranians freedom is near as Israel hits Iran’s oil depots for first time

Trump: ‘I have to be involved’ in picking Iran’s next leader, Khamenei’s son ‘unacceptable’

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht.

IMAGE: President Donald Trump speaks at a news conference, Monday, March 9, 2026, at Trump National Doral Miami in Doral, Fla. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)

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