Donald Trump may ditch nuclear deal plan if Iran reopens Hormuz: Report

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly exploring an exit from the escalating military confrontation with Iran, as the conflict proves increasingly complex to resolve, according to The Wall Street Journal. The U.S. administration may be prepared to bypass the nuclear issue and declare victory if Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz.

Sources indicate Trump has spent weeks preparing for this outcome and has privately informed senior aides of his willingness to withdraw without a formal nuclear agreement. However, securing a face-saving resolution has become difficult due to Iran's extensive demands for reopening the vital waterway. Tehran seeks billions of dollars, an end to the U.S. naval blockade, complete withdrawal of American forces, and other major concessions.

These demands have limited Washington's diplomatic options, raising concerns that Iran might be preparing for a prolonged confrontation. Iran's capability to disrupt shipping through the narrow strait using missiles and drones has given Tehran significant leverage, impacting global commercial shipping and energy markets.

Despite Trump's recent assertions that the strait was open, Tehran shut it following hostilities, demanding that American and allied vessels be barred and seeking to impose tolls. U.S. officials have rejected these restrictions and toll demands. Diplomatic prospects further dimmed after the United Arab Emirates reported an Iranian missile strike on one of its vessels. Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, outlined preconditions for reopening the waterway, including an end to U.S. threats, sanctions, and reparations.