Trump could end Iran war without reopening Strait of Hormuz, WSJ
Photo: Donald Trump, US President (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump told his aides that he is ready to end the war against Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, according to The Wall Street Journal.
In recent days, Trump and his team concluded that attempting to reopen the narrow chokepoint would drag the conflict beyond his planned 4–6 week timeline.
For this reason, the President has decided that the United States should focus on achieving its primary goals: weakening Iran's navy and missile stockpiles, while winding down active hostilities and applying diplomatic pressure on Tehran to restore the free flow of trade.
If that effort fails, Washington will push for allies in Europe and the Persian Gulf to take the lead in reopening the waterway.
Sources also say Trump may consider military options, but they are not his top priority.
The Wall Street Journal added that if the war ends without reopening the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran is likely to strengthen its control over the waterway, while any complex operation to reopen it would be postponed until a later date.
Talks and the Strait of Hormuz
A day earlier, Trump said that indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran were progressing well, adding that a deal could be reached very quickly.
However, just hours later, he issued new ultimatums. According to Trump, if Iran does not agree to a deal and immediately reopens the Strait of Hormuz, the United States would bomb and destroy all power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island.
At the same time, he acknowledged that a deal may ultimately not be reached.
A few hours ago, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the United States intends to stick to the previously announced timeline for the operation, 4–6 weeks, of which 30 days have already passed.
