President Donald Trump said Friday evening that continuing the US bombing campaign on Iran for two to three weeks is the only way to escalate pressure, but questioned whether it would achieve anything as it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The remark, reported by journalist Gili Cohen, adds a skeptical note to Trump's own recent threats of sustained operations.
President Donald Trump acknowledged Friday evening that continuing the US bombing campaign against Iran for another two to three weeks would represent a tougher approach, but expressed doubt about its strategic utility, saying 'what would that achieve? The Strait of Hormuz won't open.' The statement was reported by journalist Gili Cohen and attributed to Trump.
The remark comes after a series of Trump statements this week oscillating between belligerence and deal-making. On Wednesday, Trump said that without a deal with Iran, US military operations could shut the Strait of Hormuz for an extended period — but also acknowledged that the US and Iran were close to a 60-day ceasefire deal that would reopen the strait. Earlier Friday, the Pentagon announced the reopening of the strait but did not provide a specific timeline.
Trump's latest comment appears to question the effectiveness of prolonged bombing — an echo of his earlier argument that 'bombing forever' is not a strategy — even as he continues to publicly threaten escalation. The Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil passes, has been effectively closed since June 10, during the height of the US-Iran military confrontation.
- DevelopingTrump: If not for Iran deal, bombing would have continued for weeks or years
- StrongTrump: Anyone who wanted us to keep bombing Iran is 'stupid'
- DevelopingTrump tells Fox News: 'We haven't hit Iran hard enough yet'
- DevelopingTrump: Without a deal, US military actions could shut Hormuz for extended period
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