Thursday 26 Mar 2026
Trump speaks to reporters before departing on Marine One from the White House, March 20, 2026. (Photo/AP)
US President Donald Trump has expressed an intention to scale back military activities against Iran, citing that the United States is nearing its strategic objectives in the region. Trump stated that the US no longer intends to unilaterally police the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that other nations reliant on this critical waterway should assume responsibility for its security. This policy pivot follows a significant spike in regional hostility sparked by joint US-Israel strikes on February 28, which resulted in substantial casualties, including civilians. As Iran intensifies its retaliatory missile and drone campaigns against US-linked assets and Israel, the geopolitical climate remains highly volatile.
US President Donald Trump said Friday he was considering "winding down" military operations against Iran and that the Strait of Hormuz would need to be "guarded and policed" by other countries who use the vital waterway.
"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran," Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
"The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it -- The United States does not!" he said.
Regional tensions have surged since the US and Israel launched joint strikes on Iran on February 28. The attacks have reportedly killed some 1,300 people, including over 150 children at a girls' elementary school.
Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and what it says are US-linked assets across the region, further escalating the conflict.
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Source: TRT
