Trump Says He's Considering "Gradually Scaling Back" Military Operations Against Iran, Downplays Hormuz Escort Responsibility

President Donald Trump of the United States said he is considering a “gradual withdrawal” of military actions against Iran, claiming the U.S. is close to achieving its goals. This nearly four-week-long conflict has unsettled financial markets and regional stability.

“While considering a gradual withdrawal of our strong military operations, we are very close to achieving our objectives,” Trump stated on social media on Friday. He described the goals as “completely weakening” Iran’s missile capabilities, “destroying” its defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, never allowing Tehran to approach “nuclear capability,” and protecting Middle Eastern allies.

Just before making these remarks, Trump had ruled out a ceasefire with Iran and left room for deploying ground troops, highlighting ongoing mixed signals regarding U.S. and Israeli war aims and plans against Iran.

Following recent escalations that led to attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure and the death of several officials, it remains unclear how Iran would respond if the U.S. unilaterally decided to halt strikes. As Tehran continues retaliatory attacks on neighboring countries, Iranian officials are even reluctant to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump (center)

Trump also discussed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments, which has nearly ground to a halt since the conflict began. Trump had previously pressured allies to help ensure safe passage through the Strait, but on Friday, he said this task would be left to other countries.

“The Strait of Hormuz must be guarded and patrolled by other countries that use it—America doesn’t need to do that!” Trump said. “If asked, we will assist these countries with the Hormuz issue, but once the threat from Iran is eliminated, it will no longer be necessary. Importantly, it will be an easy military operation for them.”

The Middle East tensions caused another sharp drop in financial markets on Friday, after reports that the Iranian regime refused to negotiate over the Strait of Hormuz, and news that the U.S. is preparing to deploy ground forces to Iran.

Oil prices surged again on Friday, with the global benchmark Brent crude closing above $112 per barrel, the highest since mid-2022. However, after Trump’s comments about a potential phased de-escalation, oil prices fell back to around $108 per barrel in after-hours trading.

Global stock markets continued to decline, with major U.S. indices falling sharply. U.S. Treasury yields rose, and traders estimate a 50% chance of a rate hike by the Federal Reserve by October.

Shortly before posting on social media, Trump rejected the idea of declaring a ceasefire and expressed confidence that the Strait of Hormuz would “reopen on its own,” even if allies are unwilling to assist.

“I don’t want a ceasefire. You know, when you’re actually destroying the other side, you don’t stop,” Trump said earlier Friday at the White House. “We don’t intend to do that.”

He also criticized NATO allies and other military partners for refusing to help lift the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

“NATO can help us, but they haven’t had the courage to do so yet. Other countries can help us, but we haven’t used that,” Trump said earlier regarding the Strait of Hormuz. “At some point, it will open on its own.”

Trump avoided details about his plans to target Iran’s main oil export hub, Kharg Island. U.S. officials said the White House has ordered the deployment of hundreds of Marines to the Middle East and is evaluating a plan to seize the strategic location.

“I may or may not have a plan, but how could I tell the press?” Trump said.