President Donald Trump said on Friday that the United States is getting “very close” to achieving its goals in the Iran war as it considers reducing its military efforts in the Middle East.
The statement comes as the war enters its third week since its launch on February 28, with over one thousand reported dead in Iran and nearly 20 people killed in Israel.
“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.
He outlined the US goals, including weakening Iran’s military capabilities and protecting key allies in the Middle East.
The president also addressed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route, saying it “will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other nations who use it.”
He stressed that the US is not dependent on the oil flowing from the route; however, Washington would help if requested.
US allies vow to secure Strait of Hormuz
US allied nations, including Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and South Korea, have condemned Iran’s attack on commercial vessels in the Gulf and vowed to support efforts to maintain safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
In a joint statement released by the UK government, the group said, “We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” without providing exact details on the operational plan.
Italy and Germany, meanwhile, made it clear that the efforts do not involve any immediate military help, but a potential multilateral initiative after a ceasefire, Inquirer reported.
The statement came after Trump demanded the allied nations to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz to keep the route open, as rising fuel prices strain countries worldwide.
Some of the allied nations, including South Korea and Japan, initially declined the request, reportedly wary of becoming involved in the conflict.
However, they later agreed to provide support following pressure from the US president.
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US lifts Iran oil sanctions
Following Trump’s announcement to wind down military efforts in the Middle East, the US Treasury said it would temporarily ease sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto vessels, citing concerns over global supply shortages and rising fuel prices.
The authorization permits the sale and delivery of Iranian crude and other petroleum products shipped before March 20 and will remain in effect until April 19.
“By temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world, the United States will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, expanding the amount of worldwide energy and helping to relieve the temporary pressures on supply caused by Iran,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, as quoted by AFP.
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