War could drag on for weeks, Trump warns

International

US President Donald Trump has warned that the ongoing attack against Iran could last longer than a month as the war expands with Israel involving Lebanon and pummeling Tehran oil petroleum assets in Gulf countries.

President Trump stated that the war, which started on Saturday with a strike that killed Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was "substantially" ahead of schedule.

Trump said the US was prepared for the longer run if necessary.

"From the beginning we projected four to five weeks, but we have capability to go far longer than that," said Trump in a report by Agence France-Presse.

For the first time, President Trump outlined the objectives: dismantling Iran's missile systems, navy and nuclear program, and a hault in supporting armed groups.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussed a new account of how the conflict began. The U.S. only acted after learning that Israel was planning to strike Iran.

Trump launched preemptive strikes alongside Israel to prevent Iranian's retaliation.(Rocelle S. Caparro, BiPSU Comm Intern)