U. S. President Donald Trump has acknowledged that Washington may deploy American ground troops to Iran if the objectives of the ongoing military operation require it, Time reported.

In an interview with the magazine, the U.S. leader indicated that such a scenario cannot be ruled out. Trump estimated that the campaign’s main goals could potentially be achieved within four to five weeks, though he admitted the operation might take longer. According to the president, combat actions will continue until the planned objectives are fully accomplished.

Trump also made it clear that the campaign is not tied to a strict timetable, stressing that he intends to see the operation through to its conclusion.

Time notes that if the Iranian leadership manages to maintain control of the internal situation or suppress potential protests inside the country, Washington may ultimately have to consider a step it had previously sought to avoid — sending ground forces.