Trump to address tonight with ‘important update’ on Iran conflict

US President Donald Trump is set to deliver a prime-time address on Wednesday night, promising what the White House has described as an “important update” on the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The announcement was made by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt, who confirmed that the speech will take place at 9pm ET, but did not provide further details on its content.

The address comes as the conflict, now in its fifth week, appears to be approaching a critical phase. Trump has recently indicated that Washington is seeking to bring the war to a close within weeks, suggesting that key military objectives, particularly weakening Iran’s capabilities, have largely been achieved.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed the sense of urgency, saying the coming days would be decisive in shaping the outcome of the conflict.

Diplomacy, military options remain on the table

While signalling openness to a negotiated end, Trump has also kept military options under consideration. Reports indicate that hundreds of US special operations personnel, including elite units, have been deployed across the Middle East, alongside Marines and paratroopers, providing flexibility for any escalation.

Officials have also explored contingency plans involving potential ground operations, including high-risk missions targeting Iran’s sensitive nuclear infrastructure. Discussions have reportedly included scenarios such as seizing stockpiles of highly enriched uranium or striking strategic energy sites like Kharg Island, a key hub for Iran’s oil exports.

At the same time, indirect communication between Washington and Tehran continues through intermediaries, though Iranian authorities have publicly denied formal negotiations. Trump has expressed cautious optimism about the prospects for a deal, even as tensions remain high.

The situation is further complicated by disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route that Iran has effectively restricted. Trump has suggested that other countries dependent on Middle Eastern oil should play a greater role in securing the passage.

In recent remarks, he warned that failure to reach an agreement or reopen the waterway could lead t