WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump on Tuesday signaled a potential shift in strategy regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran, stating he was considering “winding down” military operations while simultaneously demanding other nations take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz. The announcement, delivered via a post on his Truth Social platform, came as the key waterway remains effectively closed to commercial traffic and as the U.S. Reportedly prepares to deploy additional Marines to the Middle East.
“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 wrote. He then asserted, “The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it – The United States does not!”
The President outlined a series of objectives he believes have been largely met, including preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, dismantling its missile capabilities, and neutralizing its navy, air force, and industrial base, as well as protecting Gulf allies. This marks a change in tone from previous statements, where Trump had indicated a willingness to pursue regime change in Iran.
Earlier Tuesday, Trump dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire with Iran, telling reporters at the White House, “I think we have won. I don’t seek to do a ceasefire. You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.” He was speaking before departing for his Florida resort alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Trump declined to confirm a report from Axios regarding a potential U.S. Occupation or blockade of Kharg Island, a critical Iranian oil hub, as a means of pressuring Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. “I may have a plan or I may not,” he said. “It’s certainly a place that people are talking about but I can’t notify you.” U.S. Forces conducted strikes on Kharg Island on Tuesday, which Trump claimed had “totally obliterated” all military targets, while avoiding damage to oil infrastructure.
The ongoing disruption to oil supplies has increased pressure on the Trump administration to resolve the conflict, with some Republicans expressing concern that rising energy prices could negatively impact the party’s prospects in the upcoming November midterm elections.
While Trump has previously stated he does not intend to deploy ground troops to Iran, reports indicate a significant Marine deployment is underway. The Wall Street Journal reported that between 2,200 and 2,500 Marines from the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group and 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit are being deployed. The Marine Corps confirmed the groups are “deployed at sea,” while the U.S. 3rd Fleet stated they are “conducting routine operations.” This follows a previously reported deployment of approximately 2,500 Marines aboard as many as three ships to the region.
Trump earlier criticized NATO allies for their refusal to provide naval escorts for tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz, labeling them “cowards” and vowing to “REMEMBER!” He further asserted, “Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!”
Six key powers – including Britain, France, Germany, and Japan – whose premier met with Trump at the White House on Monday, have indicated a willingness to “contribute to appropriate efforts” to secure the Strait of Hormuz. However, they have stopped short of making any firm commitments, with several allies stating they will not participate until hostilities cease.
The President’s announcement comes after NATO allies rejected his calls to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, according to a report from the Associated Press. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated Monday, “What we have is not our war; we have not started it.”
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