US President Donald Trump has expressed readiness to conclude the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains mostly shut, as per Trump administration officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. Trump and his team recently evaluated that attempting to open the vital global energy passage would extend the conflict with Iran beyond his anticipated timeline of four to six weeks. Consequently, Trump opted for the US to concentrate on its main goals of weakening Iran’s navy and missile supplies while diplomatically urging Tehran to restore trade flow through the strait. If these efforts prove unsuccessful, the White House plans to urge European and Gulf allies to lead the reopening initiative, reported Xinhua news agency.
Military options are still being considered, but they are not Trump’s immediate focus, according to the officials. Despite these evaluations, Trump’s public statements regarding the Iran conflict have been inconsistent. On Monday, he issued a warning to “completely obliterate” Iran’s electric facilities, oil installations, and Kharg Island if a deal is not promptly reached. Meanwhile, the administration has reinforced the US military presence in the region. The USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, along with elements of the 82nd Airborne Division, have entered the area over the past weekend. There is also contemplation of deploying up to 10,000 additional ground troops, as reported by The Wall Street Journal.
Reports suggest that Trump is contemplating a complex operation to seize Iran’s uranium reserves. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt mentioned on Monday that the US is striving to normalize shipping through the strait, although reopening it is not a primary military objective for the administration. The primary focus remains on targeting Iran’s navy, missile program, defense industry, and nuclear infrastructure.
