Trump Declares US Nears Iran War Goals, Wind-Down

Trump outlined core objectives: completely degrading Iranian missile capability, destroying Iran’s defense industrial base, eliminating its navy and air force, including anti-aircraft systems. He also stressed preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear capabilities and pledged continued protection for U.S. allies including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

Trump stated the Strait of Hormuz "will have to be guarded and policed" by other nations, with U.S. assistance "if asked," once Iran’s threat is eradicated. Despite this messaging, Washington continues building up forces in the region, with Pentagon officials making detailed preparations for possible deployment of U.S. ground forces into Iran, including troop positioning and detention planning, as reported by CBS News.

Trump publicly denied any immediate plan to send ground troops, though White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed such planning is standard. Thousands of Marines are moving toward the Middle East, with three warships and about 2,200 Marines having departed California.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a central front, through which one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies pass. Fighting intensified, with Israel carrying out airstrikes on Iranian weapons sites and Iran targeting energy facilities in the Gulf, including a refinery in Kuwait.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll found only 7% of Americans support a large-scale ground operation.