Trump Signals Beginning of Search for 'Exit' from Iran War
Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia - The United States (US) is beginning to consider halting military operations against Iran as the conflict enters its fourth week. This de-escalation follows claims that a series of US strategic targets in the Middle East region have been almost entirely fulfilled.
Citing Reuters, US President Donald Trump conveyed the plan for troop withdrawal via a post on his personal social media. He emphasised that threats from the Iranian side are gradually being eliminated, rendering a massive US military presence no longer urgent.
“We are very close to achieving our goals as we consider ending our military efforts in the Middle East in connection with the Iranian regime,” Trump stated on his Truth Social account, as reported by Reuters on Saturday (21/3/2026).
The US withdrawal statement has sparked confusion among its traditional allied nations. This is because, almost simultaneously with the statement, the US Marine fleet and heavy landing ships were observed still moving towards the conflict zone with a mission that has not yet been officially announced.
“The Strait of Hormuz must be guarded and monitored, as necessary, by other countries that use it. The United States will not!” Trump added.
This hands-off stance regarding the security of the Strait of Hormuz directly impacts the stability of the global energy supply chain. The mutual attacks that have killed more than 2,000 people in Iran since late February have damaged vital infrastructure and driven a 50% surge in global oil prices.
“If asked, we will assist these countries in their efforts in Hormuz, but that should no longer be necessary after the Iranian threat is eradicated,” he asserted.
Amid the US withdrawal plans, local Iranian media reported a latest attack by combined US and Israeli forces targeting the Natanz nuclear enrichment complex in Iran on Saturday morning local time.
Although technical teams have assured that there is no radioactive leakage endangering nearby residents, the incident continues to fuel concerns over a more severe global economic shock.