The Wall Street Journal reported US officials say President Trump is taking a
patient approach to the Iran standoff and expects to weather it, particularly
while gasoline prices remain near current levels. A White House official said US
strikes have hit all identified Iranian military targets. Trump’s immediate
priority is keeping energy and other shipping through the Strait of Hormuz open;
officials say the US will retain military options if Iran mounts further attacks
on vessels. Officials added Trump has privately told senior aides in recent
weeks that US strikes last year destroyed three major Iranian nuclear facilities
and that Iran is unlikely to restart its nuclear program during his term; he
believes US intelligence would detect any rebuilding and that the threat of
further strikes would serve as ongoing deterrence. Officials said if the US can
contain Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait reopens, Trump is more likely to
extend the current ceasefire indefinitely, and that if Iran fully reopens the
Strait he would lift the US military blockade of Iranian ports.
