U.S. Official Says Trump Patient on Iran Standoff, Focused on Key Waterway

August 9th, according to The Wall Street Journal, U.S. officials have stated that President Trump is very patient and is expected to weather this round of diplomatic standoff, especially with gasoline prices remaining at their current levels. A White House official insisted that the U.S. has achieved all its military objectives regarding Iran. Trump's current focus is to ensure the smooth transportation of world energy through the Strait of Hormuz, and the U.S. will continue to retain military options if Iran further attacks ships. On the nuclear issue, officials added that Trump has privately told senior aides in recent weeks that the U.S. military destroyed three major Iranian nuclear facilities last year, making it unlikely that Iran will be able to restart its nuclear activities during his tenure.

Trump stated in a recent meeting that if Iran attempts to rebuild any nuclear facilities or secretly manufacture nuclear weapons, U.S. intelligence agencies will promptly detect it, and he believes that the threat of further U.S. strikes will be a lasting deterrent. Officials said that if the U.S. can contain Iran's nuclear program and restore navigation in the strait, Trump is more likely to indefinitely extend the current ceasefire. If Iran fully reopens the strait, Trump also expects to lift the U.S. military blockade of Iranian ports. (Golden Finance)