Trump said the war would continue until Iran is "totally and decisively defeated," but predicted it would be over soon. Trump did not, however, define exactly what victory in the war would look like. Israel says its war aim is to overthrow Iran's system of clerical rule. Israel had said it would kill whoever succeeded the elder Khamenei unless Iran ended its hostile policies. After speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Trump said the United States will waive certain oil-related sanctions to ease the shortage.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 09, 2026 23:40 UTC