Trump admits Iran war was only at behest of 'allies', gives no withdrawal timeline

US President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that the US only launched its war on Iran to assist its partners in the region, a statement that likely references a long-held Israeli bid for Washington to attack Tehran. 

"We're now totally independent of the Middle East, and yet, we are there to help," Trump said in a scripted evening address in reference to US energy production. 

"We don't have to be there. We don't need their oil. We don't need anything they have. We're there to help our allies."

Trump touted what he said were "swift, decisive, overwhelming" US successes in its 32-day war so far, and that the "core strategic objectives are nearing completion".

He gave no timeline for when the US might end its attacks, but warned there is more devastation to come.

Read more: Trump admits Iran war was only at behest of 'allies', gives no withdrawal timeline