Trump Signals Willingness to End Iran Conflict as Hormuz Strait Standoff Continues; US May Shift to Diplomatic Pressure
Washington/Dubai, Agency — Amid mounting international criticism over the ongoing conflict with Iran, US President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring options to gradually wind down military operations, even if the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz does not immediately reopen.
According to American media reports citing senior officials, the US administration is reassessing its operational priorities and considering a phased de-escalation after achieving key military objectives.
Officials familiar with internal discussions indicated that President Trump has conveyed to close advisers that reopening the Strait of Hormuz through direct military force could prolong the conflict beyond the administration’s projected timeline of four to six weeks.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime oil routes, and continued disruption has raised concerns about global energy supply chains and economic stability.
Reports suggest that the US leadership believes its primary strategic goals — including weakening Iran’s naval capabilities and degrading its missile infrastructure — may soon be achieved.
Following this, Washington is expected to increasingly rely on diplomatic pressure to compel Tehran to restore freedom of navigation and ensure the resumption of international trade through the region.
Meanwhile, Iran has sought to reassure the public regarding safety concerns arising from recent strikes on nuclear-linked facilities. Mohammad Reza Kardan, Deputy Head of the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI), stated on Tuesday that the damaged nuclear installations pose no radiation risk to civilians.
He confirmed that experts are continuing to assess safety conditions and radiation levels following recent attacks.
It may be recalled that US forces recently targeted areas near the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, a key nuclear energy installation in southern Iran.
Iranian authorities have maintained that the facility did not sustain significant damage and that no personnel were injured during the strikes.
According to US media assessments, Washington may also call upon European allies and Gulf nations to take a more active role if efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz remain unsuccessful.
Officials have indicated that allied nations could be encouraged to share the operational and economic burden associated with maintaining maritime security in the region.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt reiterated earlier this week that the President and Pentagon leadership had consistently projected a four-to-six-week operational timeframe for the military campaign.
She suggested that regional partners, including Arab nations, may be expected to contribute to stabilisation efforts in the Gulf.
Separately, President Trump expressed frustration over the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz in a social media statement, urging affected nations to secure alternative energy supplies if they are unwilling to assist in reopening the passage.
He remarked that the United States has sufficient oil reserves and encouraged allied countries to consider sourcing energy directly from American suppliers.
The remarks come at a time when average gasoline prices in the United States have crossed the $4 per gallon mark, reflecting the broader economic consequences of the prolonged regional instability.
The evolving developments indicate that while military operations remain ongoing, Washington may increasingly prioritise diplomatic engagement and burden-sharing with allies in an effort to prevent the conflict from expanding further and to stabilise global trade routes.
