In a social media statement, Trump indicated that the US is nearing its objectives and emphasized that other nations should assume responsibility for patrolling the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane whose partial closure poses a global energy risk.
Throughout the conflict, which has now entered its fourth week, Trump and his administration have delivered inconsistent messages concerning US goals, leaving traditional allies uncertain about how to proceed.
Trump has hinted that the conflict might de-escalate as the Iranian threat diminishes, although US Marines and heavy landing craft are still being deployed to the area.
IRAN REPORTS ATTACK ON NATANZ NUCLEAR ENRICHMENT PLANT
“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 stated on Truth Social.
“The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not!” he added. “If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated.”
Since the US and Israel launched attacks on February 28, over 2,000 people have died in Iran. Meanwhile, American voters are increasingly worried that the conflict might widen.
Energy price shocks are driving inflation, adversely affecting consumers and businesses — a significant political challenge for Trump as he seeks to validate the war to the US public ahead of November elections, where he risks losing congressional control.
Trump also criticized NATO allies for their hesitance to assist in reopening the strait. While some allies are considering participation, most remain reluctant to join a conflict initiated by Trump without prior consultation.
Iranian media reported that US-Israeli forces struck the Shahid Ahmadi-Roshan Natanz enrichment complex on Saturday morning. Technical experts confirmed no radioactive leaks, and nearby residents were not endangered. Israel claimed ignorance of such a strike, while the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is investigating.
Subsequent reports from Iranian media indicated strikes on a passenger terminal in Bushehr’s southern port and an empty passenger ship near Kharg Island. The island, a key location for Iran’s oil exports, could become a target if Washington opts to attack Iranian energy assets or deploy ground troops.
Iran stated it launched drone attacks on US bases in the UAE and Kuwait, used for staging operations against Iranian islands in the Gulf.
Israel struck Beirut, targeting the Iran-backed Lebanese Hezbollah militia, marking a severe spillover from the conflict with Iran. Hezbollah retaliated against Israel on March 2 in support of Tehran.
Defense Minister Israel Katz asserted that Israel remains committed to leading the offensive against the “Iranian terrorist regime,” aiming to eliminate its leaders and neutralize strategic threats to both Israel and US interests in the region.
Israel also reported attacks on Tehran, Karaj, and Isfahan. Iranian media noted three family members perished in a residential building strike in Ramsar.
Air raid sirens in Israel sounded early morning due to incoming missiles, prompting millions to seek shelter. No casualties were immediately reported.
Iran launched two ballistic missiles towards the US-British military base on Diego Garcia island, located 3,800 km away in the Indian Ocean, but failed to hit the target, according to the Wall Street Journal. A source within Britain’s defense ministry indicated the attack occurred before specific authorization was granted for the US to use British bases for Iranian missile site strikes.
EUROPEAN GAS PRICES SURGE
European natural gas prices surged up to 35% this week after Israel targeted Iran’s largest gas field, and Iran retaliated by attacking neighboring energy infrastructures. The European Union urged its members to lower gas-storage targets and begin gradually refilling reserves to help manage demand, as reported by the Financial Times on Saturday.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital passageway for about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, remains largely inaccessible to most vessels.
India, facing a critical cooking gas shortage, is among the few nations that have convinced Iran to allow their ships through the strait. Two tankers carrying liquefied petroleum gas departed last week, with two more poised to leave on Friday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi told Kyodo news agency that Tehran is prepared to permit Japan-related vessels to pass through the strait, which handles roughly 90% of Japan’s oil imports.
