Trump rules out ceasefire in Iran war, confident that Hormuz will reopen ‘itself’

WASHINGTON – US President Donald Trump rejected the idea of declaring a cessation of hostilities in Iran, while expressing confidence the Strait of Hormuz would reopen “itself” despite allies’ reluctance to offer assistance. 

“I don’t want to do a ceasefire. You know, you don’t do a ceasefire when you’re literally obliterating the other side,” Mr Trump said on March 20 at the White House. “We’re not looking to do that.”

Mr Trump again lashed out at military allies, including North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members as well as China, for refusing to help unblock Hormuz, a waterway that carries roughly a fifth of global oil and natural gas flows.

“NATO could help us, but they so far haven’t had the courage to do so. And others could help us, but we don’t use it,” the president said of the strait. “At a certain point, it’ll open itself.”

The president was evasive about his plans for Kharg Island, Iran’s major oil export hub. US officials have said the White House is ordering hundreds of Marines to be deployed to the Middle East as it weighs a plan to seize the outpost.

“I may have a plan or I may not, but how would I ever say that to a reporter?,” Mr Trump said.

Any move to use ground troops to take control of Iran’s energy facilities would pose risks for Mr Trump, including by putting American forces at greater danger than they’ve already been exposed to in the conflict and adding to the cost and scope of the campaign. BLOOMBERG