Trump signals early exit from Iran war, Strait of Hormuz reopening not a priority

Five weeks into the escalating conflict with Iran, US President Donald Trump is weighing an early end to military operations, even if the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing senior officials.

The reassessment marks a significant shift in Washington’s war strategy. Officials indicated that any attempt to reopen the chokepoint — through which a significant portion of global oil supply passes — would be highly complex and could stretch the conflict beyond Trump’s preferred four- to six-week timeline.

Instead, the administration is pivoting towards what it describes as “core objectives”: crippling Iran’s naval capabilities and missile stockpiles, followed by a calibrated wind-down of hostilities and renewed diplomatic pressure on Tehran to restore commercial shipping routes.

If diplomatic efforts fail, the United States is expected to push allies in Europe and the Gulf region to take the lead in reopening the strait — effectively shifting the burden of ensuring maritime security.

The evolving stance comes even as the US ramps up its military presence in the region. The deployment of the USS Tripoli along with over 2,500 Marines, and deliberations over sending an additional 10,000 troops, underscore a parallel strategy of pressure and preparedness. Washington is also reportedly considering a high-risk operation to seize Iran’s uranium assets.

At a recent White House briefing, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that securing immediate passage for oil tankers through the strait is not among Trump’s primary war objectives — a notable departure from earlier rhetoric.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio struck a more assertive tone, insisting the waterway would “reopen one way or another” after the conclusion of US operations, either through Iranian compliance with international norms or via coordinated global intervention.

Despite sustained US strikes and reported losses, including damage to its naval assets, Iran has continued to disrupt commercial shipping in the region. The partial blockade has already tightened global oil supplies and driven up crude prices, although Tehran has allowed limited passage to vessels from select countries, including India.

Trump’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz has remained fluid throughout the conflict. While he recently threatened to target Iran’s oil infrastructure if the route is not reopened swiftly, he has at other times downplayed its importance to US strategic interests — framing it instead as a broader international challenge.

The shifting signals highlight a delicate balancing act: seeking a swift military exit while avoiding the long-term economic and geopolitical fallout of a prolonged disruption in one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.