President Donald Trump said the United States is not ready to leave Iran but expects to do so in the very near future. Asked about his plans for the day after the conflict, he avoided specifics while asserting that it would take Iran a decade to rebuild if the war ended.

Trump also criticized the North Atlantic Treaty Organization for declining a request to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, calling the decision a mistake. He said member countries could have contributed limited naval support at little cost but chose not to, while adding that the United States does not ultimately need their assistance.

The United States has similarly asked Middle Eastern allies to help secure the vital waterway, though none have publicly committed. When questioned about potential consequences for the alliance, Trump said he had nothing in mind. He also dismissed concerns that a ground operation in Iran could become prolonged and costly, saying he was not afraid of such an outcome, and noted that a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping has been postponed by several weeks due to the conflict.