WASHINGTON, Feb 21 (Saba) -- Top US General Davis Petraeus said Sunday operations in southern Afghanistan's Helmand region was the start of a long campaign, according to Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

Speaking to NBCs "Meet the Press," Petraeus, who oversee US forces in Afghanistan and Iraq, said the campaign to fight Taliban forces in southern Afghanistan's Helmand province will probably last between 12-18 months. However, he gave no estimates on how long the Marjah operation will last, the battle is in its second week and fighting appears to be going slower than expected.

Petraeus also spoke about the Obama administration's approach with Iran. He said the US is now putting the issue of Irans nuclear program on a "pressure track."

"No one at the end of the this time can say that the US and the rest of the world has not given every opportunity to resolve the issues diplomatically," Petraeus said. "That puts us on a solid foundation now to go on what is termed the pressure track."

The Obama administration has said it is pursing a dual track approach, involving efforts to engage Iranian leaders backed up by the threat of further economic sanctions.

Saba