Trump's mixed messages on Iran perplex his own team

President Trump is sending conflicting signals on Iran policy that perplex both foreign leaders and his own advisers, who remain uncertain whether he intends major escalation or swift withdrawal, according to multiple officials cited by Axios. Trump has suggested he plans to withdraw and declare victory within "two to three weeks," while simultaneously massing additional forces in the region and discussing potential bombing campaigns, creating confusion about his actual intentions. Some aides characterize his approach as deliberate unpredictability—with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) arguing the strategy is intentionally designed to keep adversaries guessing—while others say Trump is largely improvising without a clear plan. Officials are considering various exit scenarios, including potentially leaving with the Strait of Hormuz closed, conducting a "final blow" of heavy bombing by an April 6 deadline, or implementing "mowing the grass" strikes to degrade Iranian capabilities over time. Trump is scheduled to address the nation on Iran Wednesday at 9pm ET.