US President Donald Trump is apparently willing to end the ongoing war with Iran even if the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains closed.
According to The Kobeissi Letter, Trump and his senior aides assessed that any large-scale mission aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz could extend the war well beyond Washington’s preferred four-to-six-week timeline.
The US leadership instead believes Washington’s primary objectives should focus on degrading Iran’s naval capabilities and missile stockpiles before winding down active hostilities.
Officials indicated that Trump aims to transition from military confrontation to diplomatic pressure to push Iran toward restoring the “free flow of trade”. If diplomatic efforts fail, Washington may encourage European and Gulf allies to take the lead in reopening the vital Gulf corridor.
US stock market futures moved higher after this news.
Despite discussions around ending active combat operations, the Hormuz chokepoint could still remain closed for the US and its allies. Crude oil prices have climbed over $102 per barrel, while insurance premiums on Gulf shipping routes have tripled since early March.
Analysts on X posted that even a formal end to hostilities would not automatically restore global oil flows and leave supply chains vulnerable and tanker freight rates elevated despite rising interest in US energy exchange-traded funds.
Separately, indirect diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran have continued, with Pakistan facilitating communication channels. Iran has outlined five conditions for a ceasefire, including an immediate halt to attacks and compensation for damages, while US negotiators presented a 15-point demand notice that Tehran rejected, terming it ‘illogical’.
Regardless, Trump’s new strategy suggests a potential US effort to declare strategic success by opening up the Persian Gulf, even if it ends up losing the war.