US President Donald Trump has privately informed his aides that he will not terminate the ceasefire with Iran unless Tehran kills American troops, according to The Wall Street Journal, which cited US officials on Wednesday. The report suggests that Trump's reluctance to reignite conflict indicates a willingness to endure smaller-scale confrontations for weeks or even months to avoid a broader Middle East war.
Recent Hostilities Between US and Iran
This week witnessed some of the most intense hostilities between the US and Iran since the ceasefire took effect in early April. Iran launched missiles and drones targeting US military installations across the region, as well as Kuwait International Airport, resulting in one fatality. In response, the US carried out strikes, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio characterized these as defensive measures rather than a return to full-scale conflict. “They are happening in response to an Iranian action. If they don’t shoot at those ships, we don’t shoot, but we have to respond,” Rubio stated during a House hearing on Wednesday.
Strait of Hormuz Dispute
The ongoing dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz has severely disrupted global energy markets and international shipping. Tehran has restricted commercial transit through the strategic waterway, while Washington has enforced a stringent blockade on Iranian ports. These repeated attacks have ratcheted up pressure on Trump and cast doubt over the long-term viability of the ceasefire, the report noted.
Trump's Stance on Ceasefire Agreement
Trump has repeatedly stated that he is close to signing an end-of-war agreement that would reopen the strait, dismantle Iran's nuclear program, and eliminate its stockpile of enriched uranium. Despite the recent escalation, his private comments suggest he is determined to avoid a broader conflict, even if it means tolerating smaller flare-ups for an extended period.
