President Donald Trump has privately signaled to aides that he is willing to end the war on Iran without an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. In a social media post, Trump urged allied nations to “Build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT.” He added: “You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself; the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us.”
Trump previously stated that if the Hormuz Strait is not immediately “Open for Business,” the United States would conclude its “lovely ‘stay'” in Iran by blowing up and completely obliterating Iranian electric generating plants, oil wells, Kharg Island (and possibly all desalination facilities).
The U.S. has deployed the USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East as President Trump reportedly considers sending up to 10,000 ground troops to the region.
When asked for comment, the White House referenced recent statements by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Leavitt told reporters that President Trump is moving forward “unabated” and expects the Iranian regime to make a deal with the administration. She added: “The full reopening of the strait is something the administration is working towards, but the core objectives of the operation have been clearly defined for the American people by the commander in chief.”
Rubio stated that the military campaign will continue until the U.S. achieves its objectives, which he predicted would take a few more weeks. He said: “The Strait of Hormuz will be open when this operation is over.”
Rubio further explained that the objectives include the destruction of Iran’s air force (which has been achieved), navy (largely achieved), significant reduction in missile launches (well on track), and the destruction of factories producing missiles and drones used by Iran to attack its neighbors and the United States.
Iran expert Suzanne Maloney, vice president at the Brookings Institution, called Trump’s decision to end the military campaign before the strait is reopened “unbelievably irresponsible.” She added: “Energy markets are inherently global, and there is no possibility of insulating the U.S. from the economic damage that is already occurring and will become exponentially worse if the closure continues.”
Representative Randy Fine, a Republican from Florida, stated he believes the end of military conflict with Iran is near.
