President Trump said the U.S. is considering scaling back its military operations in Iran because the U.S. is close to achieving its objectives in the conflict, which is about to enter its fourth week.
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East,” Mr. Trump wrote Friday on Truth Social.
Mr. Trump cited those objectives as “completely degrading” Iran’s missile capabilities, destroying the country’s defense industrial base, eliminating Iran’s navy and air force, never allowing Tehran to get close to “nuclear capability,” and protecting Middle Eastern allies.
The president’s statement comes shortly after he told reporters at the White House that he was not interested in a ceasefire and hadn’t fully ruled out deploying ground troops, underscoring how he’s sent mixed messages about his plan for the U.S. and Israeli war in Iran.
Adding to the confusing signals, the Pentagon has asked for $200 billion to continue fighting the conflict in Iran.
Mr. Trump added that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway near Iran that is a shipping lane for 20% of the world’s oil, must be policed by the nations that use it. Iran has imposed a de facto blockade of the narrow waterway, sending oil prices soaring. He noted that the U.S. does not use the strait for oil.
SEE ALSO: Trump says he’s not interested in a ceasefire in Iran war
In recent days, Mr. Trump has expressed frustration with allies’ refusal to help vessels transit the waterway. He has lashed out at those allies, including NATO, calling them “cowards.”
“If asked, we will help these countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them,” he wrote.
It is unclear how Iran would respond if the U.S. decided to pause strikes. Iranian officials have said they will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as they continue to launch retaliatory strikes on Gulf states.
