Trump hints at wind down of war as US prepares to send more troops to Gulf
Trump Suggests Drawdown of Middle East Tensions Amid Gulf Troop Deployment
As the United States ramps up its military presence in the Gulf, President Donald Trump indicated a potential shift in strategy, hinting at a gradual reduction of operations in the region. This statement came despite recent reports of three additional amphibious assault ships and approximately 2,500 marines being dispatched to the Middle East. The deployment follows an Iranian warning to target global tourist locations and the continuation of airstrikes, drone strikes, and missile attacks that have intensified across the area.
Officials revealed Washington is exploring plans to either occupy or block the strategic Kharg Island, which lies near the northern edge of the Gulf and is vital to Iran’s oil exports. The island, spanning just 8 square miles, serves as a key terminal for 90% of Iranian crude, connected to nearby offshore fields via pipelines. Iran’s reliance on fossil fuel revenue makes any attempt to seize this asset likely to face strong resistance.
“I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side,” Trump told journalists at the White House.
On Friday, the president delivered mixed signals, initially dismissing the possibility of a ceasefire with Iran, asserting U.S. dominance. Later, he tweeted about considering “winding down” its military efforts in the region, claiming the campaign against Iran was “Militarily WON” with minimal risk for allies. “Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER! They didn’t want to join the fight to stop a Nuclear Powered Iran. Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk. COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!”
The Pentagon has already sent the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force of around 2,200 marines, to the region. The USS Boxer, carrying the unit, departed earlier than scheduled, though its specific mission remains unclear. Despite earlier claims of avoiding “boots on the ground,” the administration now appears open to occupying Kharg Island, a move that could expose American forces to Iranian drone and rocket fire in a confined area.
Violence escalated in the region on Friday, with an Iranian drone strike hitting a Kuwait refinery and the U.S. and Israel launching attacks on 16 Iranian cargo vessels in Gulf port towns. A local official from Hormozgan province described the incident: “Following the American-Zionist air attack, at least 16 cargo vessels belonging to citizens of the towns of Bandar Lengeh and Bandar Kong were completely burned in the fire.”
Heavy explosions also disrupted Dubai as air defenses intercepted rockets during Eid al-Fitr celebrations. Separately, Israel targeted Syrian government positions, just days after U.S. officials had proposed using Syrian forces to disarm Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon. With tensions rising and oil prices soaring, the conflict shows no signs of easing, as strategies and statements from the administration continue to shift daily.