Washington, Apr 1:
US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may soon wind down its military campaign against Iran, marking a significant shift in strategy amid the ongoing conflict.
Reports suggest that Trump has told aides he is willing to end the military operation even if the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz remains closed — a move that underscores a departure from earlier insistence on reopening the vital global oil route before any withdrawal.
The conflict, which began in late February 2026 following joint US-Israeli strikes, has had far-reaching consequences, including disruptions to global energy supplies and rising oil prices.
In his recent remarks, Trump signalled that the primary objective of the campaign — weakening Iran’s military capabilities, particularly its naval and missile strength — may have largely been achieved. This has opened the door for a possible early exit, even without a formal diplomatic agreement with Tehran.
Despite this, the situation on the ground remains volatile. Iran has continued retaliatory actions, including attacks on shipping routes in the Gulf region, further complicating efforts to stabilise the situation.