On March 20, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that after the conclusion of the U.S.-Israel operation against Iran, the responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz should fall to the countries that utilize it, rather than the United States.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the U.S. does not use the Strait and suggested that other nations should take charge of its security. He mentioned that while the U.S. is willing to assist upon request, such support may not be necessary once the Iranian threat is neutralized.
Trump also indicated that the U.S. is nearing the achievement of its military objectives in the region and is considering scaling back its operations against Iran.
He outlined five key goals of the campaign: the complete destruction of Iran’s missile capabilities, including launch sites; dismantling its defense industry; eliminating its naval and air forces, particularly air defense systems; preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons; and protecting allies in the Middle East, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
On February 28, Israel launched an attack on Tehran, prompting Trump to announce that U.S. forces had initiated a “major combat operation” against Iran to eliminate imminent threats posed by the Iranian regime. He accused Iranian authorities of funding and training militants in Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, and Hamas in Palestine, asserting that the operation aims to dismantle Iran’s missile industry and navy while ensuring global stability.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported launching missiles and drones towards Israel and attacking U.S. military bases in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Amid these military actions, French President Emmanuel Macron called for an urgent United Nations Security Council meeting, while the European Union reiterated its commitment to maintaining regional security and stability in the Middle East.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for giving Iranians a chance to rid themselves of the “terrorist regime” and ensure safety for all nations affected by Iranian attacks.
On February 28, Trump claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was dead, a statement later confirmed by the Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA). Following this, the IRGC announced the start of its “most destructive offensive operation in the history of the Islamic Republic” against Israel and U.S. bases, to which Trump responded with a warning of a “very strong strike” if Iran proceeded with its plans.
On March 2, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the next phase of military operations against Iran would be even more devastating. By March 6, Trump called for a complete change in Iran’s leadership, mentioning he had several candidates in mind for a “good leader.” On March 8, Iran’s Assembly of Experts elected Mojtaba Khamenei, the son of the slain Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, as the third Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. Trump declined to comment on this election, only stating, “We’ll see what happens,” while previously suggesting that the new Iranian leader would not last long without the approval of the White House.
President Trump has called for Gulf nations to take responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz following a U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran. He outlined the campaign's objectives and indicated that U.S. military operations in the region may soon be scaled back as goals are met.