U.S. President Donald Trump pushed back on mounting criticism on Monday that he has not sufficiently explained why the United States initiated its war with Iran or outlined a clear endgame, as the conflict expands and political opposition mounts, according to The Associated Press.

Trump reiterated that the campaign against Iran would last weeks and insisted it remains “on schedule,” but offered few specifics on strategic objectives or a pathway to conclude the fighting.

Energy prices have risen, and casualties are increasing, with U.S. service members among those killed or wounded, AP reported.

The president’s earlier promises to avoid “forever wars” have been tested, with some of his own political base questioning whether the conflict aligns with his America First agenda.

Trump has not ruled out deploying ground troops, and ambiguity remains over whether regime change in Iran is an official objective, AP said.

Intelligence assessments have found no imminent Iranian threat that prompted the initial strikes, and experts cited by AP say that bombing alone is unlikely to eliminate Iran’s nuclear knowledge or prevent further proliferation.

The White House has not offered a clear endgame for the conflict.