Donald Trump has reportedly indicated he is willing to wind down US military operations against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing officials. Despite earlier threats to "obliterate" Iran's power infrastructure if shipping was not restored, Trump is said to have told aides that reopening the key oil chokepoint could be delayed, as such an operation might extend the conflict beyond his preferred four-to-six-week timeline.
Instead, the US aims to weaken Iran's naval capabilities and missile stockpiles before reducing hostilities, while continuing diplomatic pressure to restore maritime trade. If that fails, Washington may push allies in Europe and the Gulf to take the lead in reopening the passage. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global route, carrying about a quarter of the world's oil supply and a significant share of India's energy imports.
The conflict, which began after coordinated US-Israel strikes on Iran following stalled nuclear talks, has led to widespread escalation, including retaliatory attacks by Iran across the Gulf region. Meanwhile, the White House has suggested that Trump may seek financial contributions from Arab nations to cover the costs of the war, signaling another potential shift in strategy as tensions continue.
The war began on February 28 when the US and Israel carried out coordinated airstrikes across Iran after stalled nuclear talks and claims that Tehran had resumed its nuclear activities. The strikes, named 'Operation Epic Fury', targeted many Iranian cities and killed many top leaders, including Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran has been launching retaliatory strikes, many of which have damaged Gulf regions, including Dubai, Kuwait, Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Bahrain.
