Trump: Willing to End War Even if Strait of Hormuz Remains Closed

Trump told his aides he was willing to end the war without reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

According to The Wall Street Journal,Trump has told his aides that he is willing to end the U.S. military operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed. He hopes to swiftly conclude the military operation against Iran within four to six weeks to avoid becoming embroiled in a “forever war.”

The core military objectives of the United States include weakening the Iranian navy and missile arsenal, which are considered to be nearly completed.

Afterward, the U.S. plans to shift toward diplomatic pressure and allied support to push for the reopening of the strait, rather than making it a precondition for ending hostilities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt also stated that reopening the strait "is not one of the core objectives," but the administration is still working to advance it.

Trump has previously threatened multiple times that if Iran does not immediately reopen the Strait, he will strike its power plants, oil wells, and Kharg Island. He has repeatedly extended the deadline—from 48 hours to five days, then to ten days—currently extending it to around April 6.

Iran has strictly controlled the Strait of Hormuz through attacks on merchant vessels and mine-laying.

Trump claimed to have “productive dialogue” with Iran, but Iran denied direct negotiations, stating it only conveyed messages through third parties such as Pakistan.

This reflects Trump's strategic shift.Trump does not want "endless wars," but the strait is difficult to "take," or the cost of taking it is extremely high. The US needs a "dignified exit" and to pass the buck to the international community.。

Previously, Trump had called on countries to escort ships in the Strait of Hormuz, but no country responded.

If Trump announces an end to the war, the task of securing the Strait of Hormuz becomes an international responsibility, allowing Trump to successfully shift the blame.