US President Donald Trump is willing to wind down military operations against Iran without immediately reopening the Strait of Hormuz, even as the crucial shipping lane remains largely shut, the Wall Street Journal reported citing administration officials. Trump has told his aides that he's willing to end the military operation against Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, leaving the campaign to reopen it for a later date, the WSJ reported, citing administration officials. If that fails, Washington would press allies in Europe and the Gulf to take the lead on reopening the strait, the WSJ said, quoting officials. Leavitt also indicated that the Arab countries can be asked to share the burden of the military operation in Iran. Starting February 28, the US and Israel launched joint strikes against Iran, which in turn retaliated, spreading the war to the entire Gulf region.

Source: The Telegraph March 31, 2026 04:30 UTC