Investing.com -- The S&P 500 turned higher briefly Wednesday after President Trump told Axios there is "practically nothing left" to target in Iran, suggesting for the second time this week that the military campaign may be nearing completion.

Trump said in a brief phone interview Wednesday that the war with Iran will end "soon" and that he can end it "any time" he wants. The president said the operation is "way ahead of the timetable" and has inflicted more damage than initially anticipated.

The comments came as U.S. and Israeli officials indicated privately that strikes in Iran are expected to continue for at least two more weeks, according to the report. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Wednesday the war will continue "without any time limit, for as long as necessary."

On Tuesday, the U.S. received intelligence suggesting Iran has begun laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supply. Trump confirmed that U.S. strikes destroyed 16 mine-laying boats and disrupted Iranian plans, though officials said the number of mines deployed appears very small.

The president described the military action as payback for 47 years of what he characterized as death and destruction caused by Iran.