West Asia Conflict: US President Donald Trump has signalled a possible scaling back of military operations against Iran, saying Washington was “very close" to achieving its objectives in the conflict, while urging other nations to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz.
In a post on Truth Social, the US President said the United States was considering “winding down" its military campaign after weeks of intense fighting. He outlined what he described as key gains, including degrading Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantling its defence industrial base, and neutralising its naval and air power. He also reiterated that the US would ensure Iran never develops nuclear weapons.
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran," Trump said, adding that American efforts had also focused on protecting regional allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
He listed a series of achievements, including dismantling Iran’s military capabilities.
“Completely degrading Iranian missile capability destroying Iran’s defense industrial base eliminating their Navy and Air Force," Trump said. He further said that the US will never allow Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and will always being in a position where the USA can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place.
Trump also said Washington had secured its regional allies. “Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others," he wrote.
A major shift in tone came as Trump urged countries dependent on the Strait of Hormuz – a vital global energy corridor – to take over responsibility for its security. Trump said that while the US could assist, it should not be necessary.
“The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them," he added.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil transit routes, carrying roughly a fifth of global oil supplies, with approximately 20 million barrels per day of crude oil and oil products transiting the waterway.
The conflict has reduced those flows to a trickle, pushing crude oil prices above $100 per barrel and prompting the International Energy Agency to describe the disruption as the largest in the history of the global oil market. The IEA has warned that in the absence of a swift resolution, the impacts on energy markets and economies are “set to become more and more severe."
Despite signalling a drawdown, Trump maintained a hardline stance, saying he did not favour a ceasefire while the US held a military advantage. “I think we have won," he told reporters, suggesting Washington would continue to exert pressure on Iran even if frontline operations are reduced.
The US has also reportedly increased its military presence in the region, with additional Marines deployed at sea, underscoring a strategy that combines potential de-escalation with continued strategic pressure.
