WASHINGTON — Donald Trump said Friday he is considering “winding down” U.S. military operations against Iran, even as Washington moves to reinforce its military presence in the region and ease oil sanctions to stabilize global markets.
Trump’s remarks came amid escalating tensions in the ongoing conflict involving Israel and key Gulf states, with continued missile and drone attacks reported across the region. Despite signaling a possible de-escalation, the United States is deploying three additional amphibious assault ships and about 2,500 Marines to the Middle East, according to U.S. officials.
The mixed messaging followed a surge in global oil prices and a drop in U.S. stocks, prompting the administration to temporarily lift sanctions on Iranian oil already loaded onto ships. The move, announced by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is expected to release around 140 million barrels of oil into global markets through April 19 to ease supply pressures.
The conflict, now in its third week, has disrupted energy flows—particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for roughly 20% of the world’s oil and gas. Prices for Brent crude rose above $112 per barrel amid fears of prolonged supply disruptions.
Fighting has intensified across the region, with Iran launching new waves of drone and missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia and Israel. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted more than 20 drones over its eastern oil-producing region, while Israeli officials reported continued missile fire.
The violence has also struck major energy infrastructure, including Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery and Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facility, compounding concerns over global supply. Meanwhile, strikes in Tehran and reported damage near religious sites in Jerusalem underscore the widening scope of the conflict.
While the U.S. has cited goals ranging from weakening Iran’s military capabilities to broader regional security aims, there are no clear signs the conflict is nearing an end. Trump, however, said the U.S. is “getting very close to meeting our objectives,” suggesting a possible shift in strategy in the coming weeks.