Trump Suggests Scaling Back Iran Operations, Urges Global Role in Securing Strait of Hormuz

Dubai/Washington: US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may consider scaling down its military operations against Iran, even as fresh attacks were reported between Iran and Israel on Saturday.

In a social media post, Trump said the United States was close to achieving its military objectives in the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its fourth week. He also stated that other countries should take responsibility for securing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route.

Trump said the US may assist if required but suggested that countries dependent on the shipping lane should take the primary role in maintaining security there.

The remarks come at a time when the US administration has sent mixed signals regarding its long-term strategy, creating uncertainty among its traditional allies. Reports also indicate continued military deployment in the region, including movement of US Marines and naval assets, though the exact mission objectives remain unclear.

According to reports, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict involving US and Israeli strikes began on February 28. Attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries have reportedly pushed oil prices up significantly, raising concerns about possible global economic repercussions.

Iranian media reported that the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was targeted in a strike. Authorities, however, stated that no radioactive leakage was detected and there was no danger to nearby residents. Israel said it had no immediate information confirming such an attack.
Dubai/Washington: US President Donald Trump has indicated that the United States may consider scaling down its military operations against Iran, even as fresh attacks were reported between Iran and Israel on Saturday.

In a social media post, Trump said the United States was close to achieving its military objectives in the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its fourth week. He also stated that other countries should take responsibility for securing the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil transit route.

Trump said the US may assist if required but suggested that countries dependent on the shipping lane should take the primary role in maintaining security there.

The remarks come at a time when the US administration has sent mixed signals regarding its long-term strategy, creating uncertainty among its traditional allies. Reports also indicate continued military deployment in the region, including movement of US Marines and naval assets, though the exact mission objectives remain unclear.

According to reports, more than 2,000 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict involving US and Israeli strikes began on February 28. Attacks on energy infrastructure in Iran and neighbouring Gulf countries have reportedly pushed oil prices up significantly, raising concerns about possible global economic repercussions.

Iranian media reported that the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility was targeted in a strike. Authorities, however, stated that no radioactive leakage was detected and there was no danger to nearby residents. Israel said it had no immediate information confirming such an attack.

Meanwhile, Israel also carried out strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions, including areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The escalation represents one of the most serious spillovers of the Iran conflict into Lebanon. Reports suggest more than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and over one million displaced amid the ongoing strikes.

Iran also reportedly fired ballistic missiles toward the US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, though the missiles did not hit the base, according to media reports.

Air raid sirens were sounded across Israel following missile alerts, sending civilians into shelters. No immediate casualties were reported.

The situation remains tense, with concerns that the conflict could further expand across the region.Meanwhile, Israel also carried out strikes in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions, including areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut. The escalation represents one of the most serious spillovers of the Iran conflict into Lebanon. Reports suggest more than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon and over one million displaced amid the ongoing strikes.

Iran also reportedly fired ballistic missiles toward the US-UK military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, though the missiles did not hit the base, according to media reports.

Air raid sirens were sounded across Israel following missile alerts, sending civilians into shelters. No immediate casualties were reported.

The situation remains tense, with concerns that the conflict could further expand across the region.