A recent surge in U.S. strikes against Iran may signal that the military campaign against the Islamic Republic is entering its final phase. Bloomberg reported this assessment, citing European officials familiar with the situation.

According to the sources, statements from U. S. President Donald Trump claiming that Iran’s military capabilities had been completely destroyed may be overstated. European officials believe such rhetoric could serve another purpose — shaping public expectations ahead of a possible announcement that the military operation is coming to an end.

At the same time, representatives of Persian Gulf states say they have little clarity about Washington’s next steps regarding Iran. Regional officials also expressed frustration that the conflict was launched without substantial consultations with them.

Bloomberg notes that a sustained rise in oil prices could ultimately push Trump to halt the fighting and declare victory, effectively leaving regional allies to deal with the lingering threat posed by a weakened but angered Iran.

The joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran began on February 28. The White House justified the campaign by pointing to threats from Tehran, particularly those linked to Iran’s missile and nuclear programs.

Following the start of the operation, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliation, striking targets inside Israel. Attacks also hit American military bases and facilities across the region, including locations in Bahrain, Jordan, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.