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Darwin, August 10: US President Donald Trump is considering dropping his demand for a new agreement over Iran’s nuclear program if Tehran fully reopens the Strait of Hormuz, as he seeks to declare victory in the war with Iran, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing US officials.
According to the report, the Trump administration is now prioritizing the restoration of normal shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump believes that if Iran fully reopens the strategic waterway, it could provide the basis for him to declare victory in the ongoing conflict.
US officials said Trump has privately discussed with some close aides the possibility of moving away from the Iran issue without securing a new nuclear agreement.
A White House official told The Wall Street Journal that the United States has achieved its military objectives against Iran and that the administration’s main focus is now on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
The report also said Trump believes it would be difficult for Iran to restart its nuclear program after three of the country’s major nuclear facilities were destroyed in June.
Trump reportedly believes that if Iran attempts to revive its nuclear program or develop nuclear weapons, US intelligence agencies would be able to detect such efforts. He also believes the threat of further US military action has deterred Tehran from pursuing nuclear weapons.
According to US officials, if there is no visible progress in Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz is reopened, Trump could allow the current ceasefire to continue. The United States may also lift its naval blockade of Iran.
Trump had previously insisted that any agreement to end the war must include measures preventing Iran from restarting its nuclear program in the future.
However, if the reported shift in policy takes effect, it could represent a major change in Washington’s previously hard-line position on Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
Source: Times of Israel