WSJ: Trump ready to end war with Iran even without reopening Strait of Hormuz

The Wall Street Journal, citing officials from the US president's administration, has reported that Donald Trump has told his aides he is prepared to end the US military campaign against Iran, even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed.

The Wall Street Journal states that in recent days Trump and his aides have concluded that an operation to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil and gas transport, would prolong the conflict beyond the planned four to six weeks.

As a result, Trump decided that the United States should achieve its main objectives – paralysing Iran's fleet and destroying its missile stockpiles – and then end current military operations, while continuing diplomatic pressure on Tehran to restore free commercial traffic.

According to the report, if this fails, Washington will push its allies in Europe and the Gulf to take the lead in reopening the strait, administration officials said.

There are also a number of military options the president could consider, but these are not currently his immediate priority, sources in the Trump administration added.

This week, the US amphibious assault ship Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit entered the Middle East region.

Trump has also ordered elements of the 82nd Airborne Division to be deployed to the Middle East and is considering sending an additional 10,000 ground troops.

Hundreds of special operations forces have already reinforced US troops in the region.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the US is adhering to the previously established timeline for Operation Epic Fury against Iran.