Here’s the latest from Trump:
We are getting very close to accomplishing our objectives as we contemplate winding down our great military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the terrorist regime of Iran: (1) Completely reducing Iranian missile capability, launchers, and everything related to them. (2) Destroying Iran’s defense industrial base. (3) To destroy their navy and air force including anti-aircraft weapons. (4) Never allow Iran to get even close to nuclear capability, and always be in a position where the United States can respond quickly and powerfully if such a situation occurs. (5) At the highest levels, protecting our Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others. The Strait of Hormuz must be defended and monitored as required by other nations that use it – the United States does not! If asked, we will assist these countries in their Hormuz efforts, but this should not be necessary once the Iranian threat is eliminated. The important thing is that it will be an easy military operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President Donald J. Trump
It is noteworthy that this matter came to light after the market was closed. Over the past three weeks, they have ramped things up immediately after the market close. This time, he’s easing the tension or at least hinting that he may leave.
What he is hinting at here is a strategy that many, including us, have speculated about. He would simply declare ‘mission accomplished’ and leave the mess for everyone else to clean up.
He dismissed the United States, saying that the strait “will need to be protected and protected by other countries that use it”. He said that America will help if asked, but I think it will have to pay a high price for it. He also said (this morning) that it would be easy for the US to secure the strait, but it would be “easy… for them”.
Regardless of politics, this post greatly reduces the likelihood of an invasion or protracted war on American soil. It seems as if Trump plans to save Iran’s regime and leave it in place. Now we have to wait to see what plans Iran and the Gulf countries have. I can see Iran demanding that those countries close American bases.
In any case, there has been a statement from Europe, Japan, Canada and Bahrain saying they are willing to join efforts for a safe passage to Hormuz.
