Trump signals exit from Iran war even as Strait of Hormuz remains shut: Report

After weeks of sustained strikes, rising economic pressures and a widening regional footprint, the United States appears to be reassessing its approach to the war and its broader geopolitical implications.

At the centre of this shift lies a striking possibility: ending active hostilities without immediately restoring access through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most vital energy corridors.

Trump indicates willingness to wind down ops

US President Donald Trump has reportedly informed senior aides that he is prepared to conclude the military campaign against Iran even if the Strait remains largely inaccessible.

According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the President conveyed that reopening the chokepoint could be deferred to a later phase.

This position marks a shift from earlier warnings, when Trump had threatened severe action against Iran’s infrastructure if maritime traffic through Hormuz was not restored.

Officials cited in the report indicated that the President views a full-scale effort to reopen the Strait as a complex undertaking that could significantly extend the duration of the conflict beyond his projected four-to-six-week timeline.

Focus on core military objectives

The evolving strategy suggests that Washington intends to prioritise specific military goals before scaling back operations.

These include weakening Iran’s naval capabilities and reducing its missile arsenal, both of which have been central to Tehran’s ability to project power across the region.

Once these objectives are met, the United States is expected to reduce direct military engagement while increasing diplomatic pressure on Iran to resume normal shipping operations through Hormuz.

If diplomatic efforts do not yield results, the US may turn to its allies in Europe and the Gulf region to take the lead in securing the waterway and restoring commercial transit.

Hormuz closure continues to disrupt global trade

The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point of the conflict’s economic impact.

Linking the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, the narrow passage facilitates the movement of a substantial share of global oil supplies.

Estimates indicate that around 25 percent of the world’s oil passes through the Strait, with countries such as India relying heavily on this route for energy imports.

Iran’s decision to restrict access—particularly for vessels linked to the United States and its partners—has significantly curtailed maritime traffic, affecting hundreds of ships daily, including container, bulk and tanker vessels.

The disruption has amplified global energy concerns and intensified the strategic importance of the ongoing conflict.

Origins of war and escalation across the region

The war began on 28 February with coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeting multiple locations across Iran.

The operation, widely referred to as Operation Epic Fury, followed stalled negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme and allegations of renewed nuclear activity.

The initial strikes resulted in the deaths of several senior Iranian figures, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and triggered a swift retaliatory response from Tehran.

Iran launched a series of missile and drone attacks targeting locations across the Gulf, affecting areas in the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar and Bahrain.

These strikes extended the conflict’s reach and heightened tensions across West Asia.

Funding the war and regional burden sharing

In parallel with military and diplomatic developments, discussions have emerged regarding the financial cost of the conflict.

The White House indicated that President Trump may explore the possibility of involving Arab nations in covering part of the war’s expenses.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the idea had been considered, suggesting that further details could be announced in the near future.