Web Desk: President Donald Trump has informed his top aides that he is prepared to end the ongoing military campaign against Iran, even if the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains closed to global shipping.
According to a report by the Wall Street Journal citing administration officials, the president believes that a prolonged military operation to force the waterway open would extend the conflict beyond his desired four-to-six-week timeline. Consequently, the administration has shifted its focus toward crippling Iran’s naval and missile capabilities as the primary objective.
Once the U.S. achieves these military goals, Trump plans to transition to diplomatic pressure to compel Tehran to reopen the chokepoint. If those efforts fail, Washington expects European and Gulf allies to take the lead in securing the passage.
Despite his willingness to wind down the war, Trump issued a stern ultimatum over the weekend. He warned that the United States would “obliterate” Iran’s civilian power plants and critical infrastructure if the strait does not reopen within 48 hours.
The president emphasized that while he possesses the military options to destroy these targets, his current preference is to end hostilities through a combination of targeted strikes and international diplomacy.
The blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a conduit for nearly 20 percent of the world’s liquefied natural gas, has already caused global energy prices to spike. While the U.S. has significantly weakened the Iranian navy over the past month, Tehran continues to threaten commercial vessels.
Transitioning the responsibility of the waterway to a broader coalition allows the U.S. to exit the active combat phase. However, regional allies in the Gulf have reportedly urged the administration to maintain military pressure until they no longer perceive Iran as a threat.
Read more: Qatar issues travel advisory for Pakistani citizens
