United States President Donald Trump has said that he is ready to stop operations against Iran even as the Strait of Hormuz stays largely closed, stated a report by the Wall Street Journal.
As per the report, Trump and his aides have concluded that carrying out a complicated mission to completely restore access to the crucial waterway may extend the American military campaign far beyond the 4-6 week timeframe he initially aimed for.
As per officials cited by the report, the Trump administration is keen on attaining other objectives amid war. These include - reducing the strength of Iran’s navy, limiting its nuclear ambition and defence industries while slashing its missile stockpiles.
Trump has delivered different statements regarding the Strait Of Hormuz, at times warning that Iranian energy infrastructure could face military strikes if access is blocked, while at other times implying that keeping the waterway open is more important to other nations than to the United States itself, the report mentioned.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the current military objectives could be achieved in a matter of weeks. He added that once this phase is complete, the decision would rest with Iran on whether to reopen the strait.
Iran Approves Plan To Introduce Tolls On Vessels Transitioning Strait Of Hormuz
Meanwhile, Iran's Parliament Security Committee on Monday approved a new management plan for the Strait of Hormuz that includes measures to impose tolls on vessels passing through the strategic waterway and restrictions on certain countries, according to Iranian state media, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB).
According to Iranian state media, the plan introduces a rial-based toll system for vessels transitioning through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, that handles about one-fifth of the world's crude oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) in peacetime.
The plan also outlines measures related to maritime security, vessel safety, environmental protection, and the financial mechanisms governing passage through the Strait.
The plan explicitly bans passage of US and Israeli vessels and extends restrictions to countries participating in unilateral sanctions against Iran, the report added.
Additionally, it reinforces Iran's sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz and emphasises cooperation with Oman to establish a legal framework for its management.
The move comes amid the escalating conflict in West Asia and signals Tehran's efforts to assert greater control over one of the world's most critical oil transit routes.