SCMP Business EN

US has no end date for Iran war, strikes ‘very much on track’: Hegseth

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said Thursday there was no “time frame” for ending the US-Israeli war against Iran, which was launched three weeks ago. “We wouldn’t want to set a definitive time frame,” Hegseth told a news conference, adding that “we’re very much on track” and that President Donald Trump would be the one to decide when to stop. “It will be at the president’s choosing, ultimately, where we say, ‘Hey, we’ve achieved what we need to.’” American objectives in the war had not...

Mar 19, 2026 &03521919202631; 15:52 UTC www.scmp.com Trending 4/5

Read original on www.scmp.com ↗

↗

Positive for markets

Sentiment score: +45/100

Low impact Short-term (days)

WHAT THIS MEANS

Rule-based L2: BULLISH signal from SCMP Business

AI CONFIDENCE

60% High

SENTIMENT GAUGE

NEWS POWER SCORE

AFFECTED ASSETS

↑

Ethereum

ETH-USDCrypto

Expected to rise

US has no end date for Iran war, strikes ‘very much on track’: Hegseth

PRICE HISTORY

Loading chart...

⚡ SUGGESTED ACTION

Automated signal: BULLISH on primary asset

Analysis generated on Mar 21, 2026 at 15:37 UTC

Disclaimer: This analysis is generated by artificial intelligence for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendation, or solicitation. Original reporting by SCMP Business. Always conduct your own research and consult a qualified financial advisor before making investment decisions.

US has no end date for Iran war, strikes ‘very much on track’: Hegseth

RELATED INTELLIGENCE