President Donald Trump has said the United States is considering “winding down” its military operations in Iran, suggesting a potential shift in strategy as the conflict approaches its third week.

Speaking on Friday, Trump indicated that responsibility for securing the vital Strait of Hormuz may soon fall to other countries, even as US forces continue to maintain a strong presence in the region.

Earlier in the day, the president signalled openness to diplomacy but ruled out an immediate halt in hostilities. “I could have dialogue” with Iranian leaders, he said, before adding, “I don’t want to do a cease-fire…You don’t do a cease-fire when you’re literally obliterating the other side.”

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is ramping up military deployments, sending three additional warships and thousands of Marines to the Middle East. This marks the second major deployment of Marines to the region within a week, underscoring continued operational readiness despite talk of a possible drawdown.

On the Iranian side, rhetoric has remained defiant. The country’s new supreme leader declared that “safety must be taken away” from its enemies, while Iranian armed forces vowed to pursue adversaries even in tourist locations.

The developments reflect a complex phase in the conflict, with signals of de-escalation emerging alongside continued military build-up and hardline positions from both sides. (Arise News)