WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has told aides he is willing to end the war with Iran even if the Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal citing US officials.
The report said the US administration has assessed that reopening the vital maritime chokepoint could prolong the conflict beyond the president’s desired four-to-six-week timeline. Washington aims to achieve key objectives of weakening Iran’s navy and missile stockpiles before winding down military operations and shifting to diplomatic pressure involving European and Gulf allies.
Meanwhile, Iran has denied any direct negotiations with the United States. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said there are only indirect exchanges through intermediaries and described US demands as “non-starters,” including calls to abandon Iran’s nuclear programme and relinquish control of the Strait of Hormuz.
Tehran also said US demands conflict with its sovereignty, while Washington considers Iran’s own proposals — including calls for the US to close military bases in the Gulf — unacceptable. Iranian officials said their focus remains on defending the country, as Tehran continues missile and drone strikes across the region.
Separately, the White House indicated that Washington may ask Arab countries to share the financial burden of the war. Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt told reporters that the idea is under consideration, drawing comparisons to the 1990 Gulf War when allies contributed billions to support US operations.
Media personality Sean Hannity suggested any ceasefire should require Iran to repay the US in oil, while Iran has demanded compensation for war damages.
US officials earlier told Congress the first six days of the conflict cost $11.3 billion, rising to $16.5 billion by day 12, according to the Center for Strategic and International Studies. The administration is now seeking at least $200 billion in additional military spending from Congress.
The war has driven energy prices higher, with the American Automobile Association reporting US petrol prices at $3.99 per gallon, more than $1 higher than before the conflict.
Iran maintains it was attacked during diplomatic talks and posed no threat to the US or the region.
In a separate development, the Israeli military said four soldiers were killed and two wounded during combat in southern Lebanon.