The United States “will end the war with Iran very quickly,” Donald Trump stated yesterday Tuesday (19/5) at the White House, while the US government examines new military plans against Tehran, with Iran responding with threats of more American aircraft downings in case of new conflict.
Trump: We’ll end the war in Iran very quickly
The American president, speaking to members of Congress at the White House, argued that Washington can terminate the conflict in a short timeframe, without however providing more details about the timeline or strategy to be followed. As he characteristically stated: “We’re going to end that war very quickly. They want to make a deal so badly. They’re tired of this.”
"We're going to end that war very quickly. They want to make a deal so badly. They're tired of this"
President Trump predicts a deal to end the war with Iran is going to happen "fast" — and that oil prices will plummet when the agreement is reached. pic.twitter.com/Q0t8Bp8RWx
— Fox News (@FoxNews) May 19, 2026
Additionally, Trump revealed he was very close to launching new military strikes against Iran, before deciding to temporarily suspend the operation following requests from Gulf countries. Speaking to reporters he said: “I was one hour away. We were absolutely ready. It would be happening right now.” He also clarified that the postponement decision has a limited time horizon, as negotiations continue in the region for a possible de-escalation agreement.
National security briefing at the White House
Donald Trump held, according to Axios information, a meeting on Iran with the top national security team on Monday evening (18/5), during which he was briefed on military options and attack scenarios against Tehran. The meeting included Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, White House special envoy Steve Witkoff, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Cain, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, along with other senior officials.
The discussion focused on the war’s progress, diplomatic efforts that remain deadlocked, and US military plans. The briefing took place hours after Trump’s announcement of suspending attacks, which is considered an indication that the possibility of new military operations remains open.
“Iran has two or three days”
As Trump declared, Tehran has “two or three days” to agree to a settlement that would lead to ending the war, otherwise it will face new attacks. According to his claims, American public opinion supports military involvement, while he added that even if this isn’t the case, preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons constitutes a “mission worth pursuing.”
For his part, US Vice President JD Vance appeared more cautious, stating he is “not certain” about the possibility of an agreement, although he believes there are still margins for negotiation. He also noted that internal disagreements are observed within Iranian leadership and that Tehran’s negotiating position remains unclear. However, he dismissed criticism directed at Trump regarding his statements about the war’s economic impact on American citizens. As he told CNN, the president “has a mandate to deal with many issues simultaneously.”
Tehran: Threats of new aircraft downings
From Iran’s side, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that his country is ready to destroy more American aircraft if both sides are led to war conflict again. He argued that Iranian armed forces have proven they can shoot down F-35 fighter jets. As he characteristically stated: “With the lessons we have drawn and the knowledge we have gained, a return to war will include many more surprises.”
Months after initiation of war on Iran, US Congress acknowledges loss of dozens of aircraft worth billions.
Our powerful Armed Forces are confirmed as 1st to strike down a touted F-35.
With lessons learned and knowledge we gained, return to war will feature many more surprises.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) May 19, 2026
Finally, Araghchi referenced a recent Congressional Research Service report, according to which approximately 42 aircraft and helicopters, including drones, have been lost or damaged since the beginning of the joint US-Israel military operation against Iran in late February.
