WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump has indicated a willingness to conclude the ongoing military campaign against Iran without securing the immediate reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to reports citing senior administration officials.
The move reflects a shift in Washington’s priorities, as officials assess that forcing the waterway back into operation would significantly extend the conflict beyond the administration’s preferred timeline of four to six weeks, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Instead, the U.S. appears focused on achieving limited but critical objectives—primarily degrading Iran’s naval strength and reducing its missile capabilities—before scaling down military engagement.
The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor through which roughly one-fifth of global oil supply passes, has been effectively disrupted by Iran through a combination of naval mines and missile activity. The closure has already triggered a sharp rise in global energy prices, amplifying concerns across international markets.
Despite repeated warnings from Washington, including a previously stated April 6 deadline for Tehran to restore passage, Iran has largely resisted external pressure. Recent attacks on oil tankers in the region have further complicated efforts to stabilize the route.
Under the emerging U.S. strategy, diplomatic channels will take precedence once military objectives are met. Washington is expected to push Iran to reopen the strait through negotiations. Should those efforts fail, responsibility may shift toward allied nations in Europe and the Gulf, who could be urged to take a more active role in restoring maritime access.
The approach underscores a calculated balancing act—limiting direct U.S. involvement while attempting to contain broader economic fallout and avoid a prolonged regional war. However, leaving the strait partially closed risks ongoing volatility in energy markets and continued geopolitical tension in one of the world’s most critical trade corridors.
