By Alayna Treene, Kevin Liptak, Jennifer Hansler, CNN
(CNN) – President Donald Trump and his team are starting to think that they can’t guarantee the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz before they can declare “mission accomplished” in the conflict with Iran, according to sources who know about these discussions.
Within the White House, many senior officials see that reopening this vital oil route controlled by Tehran is essential – not just for ending the war but also for lowering skyrocketing oil and gas prices, which are quickly becoming a significant issue for Republicans as November’s midterm elections approach.
However, as they confront Trump’s self-imposed deadline of four to six weeks for wrapping up the war, top officials have privately admitted that they can’t achieve their military goals quickly while also promising to reopen the strait in that timeframe. Sources familiar with these talks say officials and many intelligence experts estimate it could take weeks or even months to restore full operations at the strait. Typically, around 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through this crucial waterway.
Instead, Trump has publicly stated and told aides and allies directly that he thinks other nations need to take on some or most of this responsibility. He has suggested that since many European countries depend heavily on oil from this strait, they should also help get it back in working order.
“Build up some delayed courage, go to the Strait, and just TAKE IT. You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself; the U. S. A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us,” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday morning while calling out the United Kingdom.
For weeks now, Trump has been urging U. S. allies to send their own naval forces to escort tankers in the strait. He’s grown more frustrated as none have agreed so far while fighting continues. Meanwhile, many foreign leaders feel that Trump is trying to push off a problem he created onto them once he decides it’s over, according to those familiar with their feelings.
European leaders were not consulted before U. S. airstrikes against Iran began and have been hesitant about getting involved while hostilities continue. Several nations have signed statements promising cooperation in eventually patrolling the strait but haven’t set any timelines for when that might begin.
Trump believes reopening the strait will be easier once hostilities cease. The White House has also downplayed concerns regarding how long-term impacts from this conflict might affect gas prices; on Tuesday these prices hit a national average of $4.02 per gallon for the first time since 2022.
“They’ll drop when we leave; when it’s over,” Trump told CBS News during a phone interview on Tuesday.
In a statement sent to CNN, Leavitt again minimized rising prices as only a temporary concern: “When Operation Epic Fury is complete, gas prices will plummet back down to those multi-year lows American drivers enjoyed before these short-term disruptions.”
White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly shared with CNN several steps taken by the administration aimed at easing high oil costs-including lifting some sanctions on Russian oil supplies, providing insurance for tankers navigating through the strait and coordinating a release of 400 million barrels of oil. She noted that “is and was prepared for any potential action taken by the terrorist Iranian regime.”
“The President is confident that soon we’ll see an open Strait again while our military continues steadily degrading Iran’s capacity to threaten merchant ships,” Kelly added.
A lot of people within Trump’s administration acknowledge how critical reopening this strait is and continue engaging closely with U. S. allies about it according to sources aware of these conversations. One person close to President argued Trump’s bold public comments toward European countries reflect both his genuine feelings about this issue along with being smart public relations strategy.
“He’s right when he says it’s not just a US problem. But it’s also great politics and honestly good PR framing this as something everyone needs tackle together,” they said.
The top officials in America have recently adopted similar messaging too.
“This Strait of Hormuz issue-where we’ve set conditions necessary for success-isn’t merely an American problem,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said during Tuesday’s Pentagon briefing session.“We’ve led throughout; President Trump has led all along-but it’s not only our burden.”
“So ultimately I think other countries oughta pay attention,” he continued.” You might want start figuring out how defend yourselves.”
“The Secretary/b>: Secretary Marco Rubio maintained willingness forming international coalition responsible policing sactionnig area , but admitted longer term goal.
Rubio discussed matter G7 counterparts France last Friday claimed many understood necessity group.
““We’re working hard make happen,” he said.
In remarks following ministerial , Rubio claimed administration had ““always viewed allied coalition re-opening currently shut down area post-conflict necessity ,” despite lack notice allies attacks began pressure trump immediate assistance needed sector.
The secretary state repeatedly indicated role supporting coalition saying Friday USA was “prepared be part plan ; don’t necessarily lead “.
“But these countries lot stake not G7 countries alone ; nations Asia worldwide stake contribute greatly ensuring neither Strait Hormuz frankly any waterways ever controlled tolled nation-state terroristic government one exists Iran today radical clerical regime.”
China Pakistan meanwhile sought potentially cede leadership re-opening critical waterway came own five-point plan restoring peace stability Middle East included point dealing straight. “China Pakistan call parties protect security ships crew members stranded Straits allow early safe passage civilian commercial vessels restore normal crossing soon possible joint statement Tuesday read.” br >The-CNN-Wire
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China Pakistan meanwhile sought potentially cede leadership re-opening critical waterway came own five-point plan restoring peace stability Middle East included point dealing straight. “China Pakistan call parties protect security ships crew members stranded Straits allow early safe passage civilian commercial vessels restore normal crossing soon possible joint statement Tuesday read.” br >The-CNN-Wire
™ & © 2026 Cable News Network , Inc., Warner Bros Discovery Company. All rights reserved.
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