Day 21 of War: US Signals De-escalation as Trump Eyes Exit Strategy

U.S. President Donald Trump has signaled a potential de-escalation of military operations against Iran as the joint U.S.-Israeli conflict enters its third week.

In a Friday night post on Truth Social, the President suggested that Washington is nearing the fulfillment of its strategic objectives in the Middle East, hinting that a conclusion to the 21-day hostilities may be in sight.

He said the US-Israel campaign has significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities, including its missile systems, while also targeting key leadership figures.

The US president reiterated that American forces would continue to defend regional allies such as Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait.

He also stressed the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, noting it must be secured.

“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. (5) Protecting, at the highest level, our Middle Eastern allies, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others.

“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!” Trump wrote.

Meanwhile, tension remains high as Iran’s Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, vowed “more surprises” in attacks targeting the US, Israel, and their allies.

In a separate development, a statement attributed to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, claimed victory over US and Israeli forces, boasting that Iran had delivered a “dizzying blow” to its adversaries.

However, Trump maintained that Iran’s leadership structure has been effectively dismantled, declaring that its leaders are “all gone.”