Donald Trump has said he is considering winding down the strikes on Iran and ending the war in the Middle East, as he gets one step closer to destroying Tehran’s military capabilities.  

The president wrote in a Truth Social on Friday evening: ‘We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran.

‘(1) Completely degrading Iranian Missile Capability, Launchers, and everything else pertaining to them. 

‘(2) Destroying Iran’s Defense Industrial Base. 

‘(3) Eliminating their Navy and Air Force, including Anti Aircraft Weaponry. 

‘(4) Never allowing Iran to get even close to Nuclear Capability, and always being in a position where the U.S.A. can quickly and powerfully react to such a situation, should it take place. 

In his post Friday, Trump added a fifth: ‘Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern Allies’ and listed America’s Gulf partners: Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.’

He then went on to describe how he sees the future for the Strait of Hormuz – the shipping waterway that is crucial to international trade.

Trump is seen here at the White House on Friday afternoon. He wrote online that he is close to considering ending the war in Iran

A plume of smoke rises from the site of a strike in Tehran on March 17, 2026

Trump added: ‘The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not! 

‘If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated. 

‘Importantly, it will be an easy Military Operation for them. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP.’ 

Trump’s statement seemed at odds with his administration’s move to send more troops and warships to the region and request another $200 billion from Congress to fund the war.

This is a breaking news story.