US President Donald Trump has told his aides that he is prepared to conclude the ongoing military campaign against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, administration officials said.
The move could allow Tehran to maintain its stronghold over the strategic waterway while delaying efforts to restore full maritime access, reports The Wall Street Journal.
According to officials, Trump and his team recently evaluated that any attempt to force open the chokepoint would likely extend the conflict beyond his preferred timeline of four to six weeks.
He has instead opted for a strategy focused on achieving key military objectives weakening Iran’s naval capabilities and reducing its missile stockpiles before winding down active hostilities.
At the same time, Washington intends to intensify diplomatic pressure on Tehran to ensure the resumption of normal trade flows through the strait.
If diplomatic efforts fail, the United States is expected to urge its European and Gulf allies to take the lead in reopening the vital shipping route, officials added. While military alternatives remain available, they are not considered an immediate priority for the president.
Over the past month, Trump has publicly expressed varying positions on how to handle the Strait of Hormuz, reflecting a broader pattern of shifting goals and messaging surrounding the conflict.
