US President Donald Trump has informed senior aides that he is willing to scale back the American military efforts against Iran, even if the strategically important Strait of Hormuz continues to be largely closed, as reported by the Wall Street Journal referencing administration officials.
However, there has been no official confirmation at this time.
If accurate, this decision would represent a significant development in the West Asia conflict that has persisted for a month. Trump and his advisors have reportedly determined that a large-scale initiative to reopen the waterway would prolong the war beyond their intended four-to-six-week timeframe.
According to the internal plan, the US would initially aim to accomplish essential military goals, such as diminishing Iran’s naval and missile capabilities, before urging it to comply through diplomatic means.
This shift in strategy follows Trump’s warning that failure to agree to terms could lead to the “blowing up and complete obliteration” of key Iranian energy infrastructure, including power plants, oil wells, and the vital export hub at Kharg Island.
On Truth Social, Trump also reiterated claims about ongoing negotiations with Iran, noting that the US is engaging with “a new, more reasonable regime.”
Thus far, Iran has not agreed to unconditionally reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained effectively blocked since the coordinated attacks by the US and Israel on February 28.
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