US considering 'winding down' military efforts in Iran war, says Trump

President Donald Trump said on Friday the US was getting very close to meeting its objectives as it considers winding down its military efforts in the Iran war and called on countries that use the Strait of Hormuz to guard and police it "as necessary".

Trump added in a post on Truth Social that "The Hormuz Strait will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not!. 

He said, "If asked, we will help these Countries in their Hormuz efforts, but it shouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat is eradicated," he said.

Earlier, Trump claimed he did not want a ceasefire in the war.

"Look we can have dialogue but I don't want to do a ceasefire. You know, you don't do a ceasefire when you're obliterating the other side," he told reporters.

His comments came after the announcement the US military is deploying thousands more Marines to the Middle East and President Trump accused NATO allies of cowardice over their reluctance to send forces to help open the Strait of Hormuz.

Two officials said there had been no decision on whether to send troops into Iran itself. Sources had earlier said that possible targets could include Iran's coast or the Kharg Island oil export hub.

Trump also called US allies "cowards" for declining to help open the Strait of Hormuz while fighting continued in a conflict they were not consulted about beforehand.

Several allies have pledged to join "appropriate efforts" to ensure safe passage through the strait, but Germany and France have both said fighting must stop first. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he would speak to Trump this weekend.

The UK government authorized the US to use its bases in Britain to strike Iranian missile sites that are targeting ships in the strait.