WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump said he was considering 'winding down' military operations against Iran, but warned the Strait of Hormuz would need to be policed by other countries.
Trump's comments marked his strongest indication yet of an exit from the conflict, despite the strait remaining effectively closed and thousands of Marines being deployed to the Middle East.
He listed objectives as preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon, destroying its missile arsenal, navy, air force, and industrial base, and protecting Gulf allies.
Trump criticized NATO allies as 'cowards' for not securing the strait, which Iran has a virtual stranglehold on.
He also ruled out a ceasefire, saying, 'You don't do a ceasefire when you're literally obliterating the other side.'
The US has avoided targeting Iran's oil infrastructure despite strikes on Kharg Island, where Trump claimed all military targets were 'totally obliterated.'
Surging oil prices have pressured Trump to end the war, with Republicans fearing economic fallout could hurt their midterm prospects.
NATO allies have not committed to naval escorts for tankers in the strait, though some say they are ready to contribute once hostilities end.