Trump says US considering ‘winding down’ Iran war as regional tensions persist

DUBAI/WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said Washington is considering “winding down” its military campaign against Iran, even as fresh attacks were reported between Iran and Israel on Saturday.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States was close to achieving its objectives in the conflict, now entering its fourth week, but suggested that other countries should take responsibility for securing the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

“We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our military efforts,” Trump said, adding that the US may assist allies if required but should not take the lead in safeguarding the vital shipping route.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has been largely closed, raising fears of a global energy shock.

Natanz facility attack reported

Iranian media reported that the Shahid Ahmadi-Roshan nuclear enrichment complex in Natanz was targeted in an attack on Saturday morning. However, authorities said no radioactive leakage had been detected and nearby populations were not at risk. Israel said it was not aware of such a strike.

More than 2,000 people have been killed in Iran since the conflict escalated following US and Israeli strikes on February 28, while key energy infrastructure across Iran and Gulf states has also come under attack, pushing oil prices up by around 50 per cent.

Expanding regional conflict

As hostilities intensified, Israeli forces carried out strikes in multiple Iranian cities, including Tehran, Karaj and Isfahan. Iranian media reported that three members of a family were killed in a residential strike in Ramsar.

Israel also launched airstrikes in Beirut, targeting positions of the Iran-backed Hezbollah. The Israeli military said four Hezbollah fighters were killed in southern Lebanon.

The violence marks the deadliest spillover into Lebanon since Hezbollah began attacks on Israel in support of Tehran earlier this month. More than 1,000 people have been killed and over one million displaced in Lebanon amid ongoing Israeli strikes.

Air raid sirens sounded across Israel early Saturday as incoming missiles were detected, forcing millions into shelters. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Separately, Iran reportedly fired two ballistic missiles toward the US-British military base at Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean, though the base was not hit.

Global economic concerns mount

Natural gas prices in Europe surged by as much as 35 per cent this week as the conflict disrupted key energy infrastructure. The European Union has urged member states to reduce gas storage targets and gradually replenish reserves to stabilise markets.

Several US allies, including European nations, Japan and Canada, have pledged to support efforts to secure maritime routes in the Strait of Hormuz, though countries such as Germany and France have stressed the need for a ceasefire first.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said Tehran was prepared to allow Japan-linked vessels to pass through the waterway, noting Japan relies on the route for around 90 per cent of its oil imports.

In a bid to stabilise oil markets, the White House said it would temporarily waive sanctions on Iranian oil exports for 30 days, allowing the sale of millions of barrels currently held on tankers.

Defiance from Tehran

As Muslims marked Eid al-Fitr and Iranians celebrated Nowruz, Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a message of defiance, saying the country had responded with unity and delivered a strong blow to its enemy.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin sent Nowruz greetings to Iran’s leadership, reaffirming Moscow’s support, although the extent of Russia’s backing remains unclear amid the ongoing crisis.