Trump Says U.S. Will Be Out of Iran Within Two to Three Weeks

Trump announces US withdrawal from Iran in 14-21 days as regional tensions spike

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

President Donald Trump said Monday that American forces will leave Iran within two to three weeks.

The announcement marks the first timeline he’s given for ending the limited US military presence in Iranian territory.

Trump’s statement comes three weeks after a limited American ground incursion into Iran’s southwest Khuzestan province. The operation began March 12 after Iran’s Revolutionary Guards fired missiles at a US destroyer in the Persian Gulf. About 2,000 US troops have occupied a 40-mile strip along the Iraqi border since then.

The president told reporters at the White House that “we’re wrapping up our mission” and that “Iran got the message loud and clear.” He spoke following a meeting with military commanders in the Oval Office.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the withdrawal plan in a separate briefing. “We’ll begin repositioning forces within days,” Hegseth said. He added that the Pentagon expects a “complete exit” from Iranian soil by mid-April.

The Iranian government had no immediate response to Trump’s announcement. State television carried the news without commentary. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi is in Moscow for talks with Russian officials about the crisis.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the US decision after previously expressing concern about American troops becoming bogged down in Iran. Netanyahu’s office said Israel “supports any move that reduces regional tensions while maintaining pressure on Tehran’s nuclear program.”

The limited incursion has cost the US 18 killed and 47 wounded according to Pentagon figures. Iranian state media claims over 200 American casualties. The operation destroyed several Revolutionary Guard bases but failed to locate the mobile missile launchers that attacked the USS Fitzgerald.

Regional markets reacted positively to withdrawal news. Brent crude fell 3.2% to $71.40 per barrel in London trading. The Tehran Stock Exchange closed up 4% as investors bet on reduced conflict risk. Gulf state stock markets also posted strong gains.

Democratic leaders criticized Trump’s handling of the crisis. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called the incursion “a reckless adventure with no clear objective.” House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries demanded a full briefing on “what we gained and what we lost.”

The speed of the planned withdrawal surprised military analysts who expected a longer occupation. Retired General Jack Keane told CNN the timeline “seems optimistic” given the equipment and personnel that need extraction. “Two weeks is tight for a safe withdrawal,” Keane said.

Background

US-Iran tensions have escalated steadily since Trump returned to office in January 2025. The crisis began January 28 when Iran announced it would enrich uranium to 90% weapons-grade purity. American intelligence confirmed in February that Iran could produce nuclear weapons within months.

The March 12 missile attack on the USS Fitzgerald killed 11 sailors and wounded 23. Trump ordered immediate retaliation after what he called “an act of war against American forces.” The limited ground incursion was designed to destroy missile sites and signal US resolve without triggering a full-scale war.

Teenage ace Yamal hits 104-mph winner

Muhammad Asghar | GlobalBeat

Lamine Yamal fired a 104-mph forehand winner on championship point as Spain beat Italy 2-1 to claim the Davis Cup in Madrid.

The 17-year-old’s blistering shot sealed Spain’s first Davis Cup since 2019 before a raucous home crowd at Caja Mágica.

Yamal collapsed to the clay after clinching victory. He became the youngest player to win a deciding Davis Cup rubber since 17-year-old Rafael Nadal in 2004. The Barcelona native had lost the opening set to Italy’s Matteo Berrettini before rallying for 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 triumph.

Spanish captain David Ferrer praised his teenage star. “Lamine has ice in his veins,” Ferrer told reporters. The victory gave Spain a record sixth Davis Cup title.

Berrettini had put Italy ahead by beating Carlos Alcaraz in straight sets. Pablo Carreño Busta leveled the tie with victory over Lorenzo Musetti. Yamal’s win delivered the cup for Spain.

The Italian team left the court immediately after defeat. Captain Filippo Volandri said his players gave everything but came up short against “a sensational shot from a special player.”

Spanish fans invaded the court to celebrate. King Felipe VI presented the trophy to Spanish team. Madrid will host next year’s final too.

Background

Spain entered the final as favorites despite Italy’s strong form. The hosts boasted world No. 2 Alcaraz and rising star Yamal. Italy relied heavily on Berrettini’s big serve and Musetti’s shot-making.

Spain had lost three Davis Cup finals since their 2019 victory. The drought ended with Yamal’s heroics. The victory caps a breakthrough year for the teenager who also won ATP titles in Barcelona and Madrid.

What’s Next

Spain will defend their title at home again next November. The qualifying rounds begin February 2026. Italy must win their qualifier to return to the final eight.

The Davis Cup format continues to draw criticism. Some top players skip the event citing scheduling concerns. organizers hope Yamal’s dramatic debut will boost interest.

Yamal’s victory positions him as tennis’ next superstar. His Davis Cup heroics rival Nadal’s early exploits for Spain. The 17-year-old now targets Grand Slam glory in 2026.