Trump Willing to End War with Iran
U.S. President Donald Trump has told aides he is prepared to end the war with Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal.
The waterway, one of the world’s most important energy routes, has been shut for weeks, disrupting global oil supplies.
Officials said Trump recently reviewed military plans and concluded that a mission to force open the strait would extend the conflict beyond his preferred timeline of four to six weeks. Instead, he directed his team to focus on crippling Iran’s navy and missile stockpiles while applying diplomatic pressure on Tehran to restore trade flows. If those efforts fail, the White House intends to press European and Gulf allies to take the lead in reopening the strait.
Military options remain available, but they are not Trump’s immediate priority, the officials added. Despite this internal assessment, Trump’s public statements have been inconsistent. On Monday morning, he threatened to obliterate Iran’s electric plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island if a deal is not reached quickly.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has reinforced its military presence in the region. Over the weekend, the USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit entered the area, while elements of the 82nd Airborne Division began arriving. The Pentagon is also considering deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops.
Trump is reportedly weighing a complex mission to seize Iran’s uranium reserves, though it is unclear how far those plans have advanced.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday that the administration is working toward restoring normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. However, she noted that reopening the waterway is not listed among the core military objectives, which instead focus on targeting Iran’s navy, missile program, defense industry, and nuclear infrastructure.
The mixed signals reflect the administration’s balancing act: pursuing military pressure while leaving room for diplomacy. Analysts say Trump’s approach underscores his desire to keep the war short and contained, while still achieving strategic goals against Iran’s military capabilities.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is a chokepoint for global energy trade. Roughly one fifth of the world’s oil passes through it. Its closure has already driven up fuel prices worldwide, adding urgency to calls for a resolution.
As the conflict continues, questions remain over whether the U.S. can achieve its objectives without reopening the strait, and whether allies will step in if Washington decides to scale back its role.
