US President Donald Trump has suggested he is considering “winding down” military operations in the Middle East, even as reports indicate the Pentagon is preparing to send three additional amphibious assault ships and roughly 2,500 marines to the region. The conflicting messages come amid escalating hostilities, including Iranian threats to attack recreational sites worldwide and continued airstrikes and drone attacks.
According to reports, Washington is weighing plans to occupy or blockade Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategically vital terminal that exports about 90% of Iranian oil. Any such move would carry significant risks, exposing US forces to potential drone and rocket fire in a confined area. The island, just 8 square miles in size and located 16 miles from the Iranian city of Bushehr, is heavily defended and crucial to Iran’s economy.
Trump’s remarks on Friday were contradictory. Earlier in the day, he ruled out a ceasefire, stating, “You don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.” However, later on his Truth Social platform, he wrote that the US was “getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts.”
The president also criticised NATO allies, calling them “cowards” for refusing to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He claimed that without US involvement, NATO is “a paper tiger.” The Pentagon has already deployed the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit of about 2,200 marines, and the assault ship USS Boxer is reportedly leaving early, though its mission remains unclear.
Meanwhile, the war shows no signs of abating. An Iranian drone attack hit a Kuwait refinery, while US and Israeli strikes destroyed 16 Iranian cargo vessels in port towns. Heavy explosions were reported in Dubai as air defences intercepted rockets during the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Israel also attacked Syrian government positions, days after US officials suggested using Syrian forces to disarm Hezbollah.
