President Donald Trump has informed his advisers that he is prepared to conclude military operations against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, according to administration officials cited by the Wall Street Journal.
The decision reflects Trump's assessment that forcing open the strategic waterway would extend the conflict beyond his preferred timeline of four to six weeks. The administration has now reached day 30 of operations that began February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.
Trump's revised strategy prioritizes achieving core objectives — degrading Iran's naval capabilities and missile stockpiles — while leaving the complex task of reopening the strait for later. The narrow shipping lane, which connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean, handles roughly one-fifth of global oil trade and hundreds of vessels daily under normal conditions.
We're on day 30 today
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary — The Hindu
If diplomatic pressure fails to convince Tehran to restore free maritime passage, Washington plans to push European and Gulf allies to lead efforts to reopen the waterway. This approach would shift the burden away from direct U.S. military action while maintaining pressure on Iran through coalition partners.
Reports Trump's strategic shift as a timeline-driven decision, emphasizing the 30-day milestone and potential for allied burden-sharing. Frames the development as pragmatic adjustment rather than strategic retreat.
Characterizes Trump's position as potentially strengthening Iran's grip on the waterway while highlighting Iranian dismissal of U.S. proposals. Emphasizes skepticism from both sides about successful negotiations.
Focuses on the global economic implications of the strait's closure and Trump's escalating threats against Iranian infrastructure. Presents the decision as an attempt to limit military and political costs.
The strategic pivot comes as Trump simultaneously escalated threats against Iranian infrastructure. He warned that failure to reach an agreement would result in U.S. forces destroying Iran's Kharg Island oil terminal, power plants, and petroleum wells.
We're quite interested in. I won't get ahead of him on that but certainly it's an idea, something that I think you'll hear more from him on
Karoline Leavitt, White House Press Secretary — The Hindu
The administration is also exploring burden-sharing arrangements with Arab nations including Kuwait, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia to support ongoing operations. This reflects broader efforts to regionalize the conflict's costs and responsibilities.
Iranian officials have dismissed American negotiating proposals as unrealistic. Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei characterized the 15-point U.S. proposal as containing excessive and illogical demands, while questioning whether American officials maintain consistent positions.
Pakistan continues mediating between the parties, though its ambassador to Washington acknowledged that successful negotiations depend on decisions by the conflicting parties themselves. The diplomatic channel faces skepticism from both sides about the other's commitment to any eventual agreement.
The strait's effective closure has disrupted global energy markets and shipping routes, contributing to sustained increases in oil and fuel prices worldwide. The waterway's strategic importance makes its status a critical factor in any resolution to the month-long conflict.
Whether Trump's willingness to accept a partially closed Hormuz strengthens Tehran's negotiating position or creates space for face-saving compromises remains the central question as diplomatic efforts continue through multiple channels.