Media reveals "How Trump decided to launch war against Iran," regarding the Strait of Hormuz, Venezuela, and plans to end the war

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The Wall Street Journal revealed on the 14th that Trump, fully aware of the potential risk of blocking the Strait of Hormuz and disrupting the global energy market, insisted on launching military strikes against Iran. The expectation of rapid regime change has been shattered by reality, and the end of the war is nowhere in sight.

According to the report, the joint US-Israeli military operation began on February 28 and has resulted in at least 13 American soldiers killed and more than 1,300 Iranian deaths so far. Iran immediately blocked the Strait of Hormuz—a key waterway that carries 20% of the world's oil exports—and the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, swore to continue the blockade. Last Friday, Trump announced airstrikes on Kharg Island, an important hub for Iran’s oil exports, to pressure Tehran to reopen the strait.

The war has now entered its third week, and Trump remains “firm in his stance.” According to media reports quoting a senior White House official, the internal White House plan considers maintaining the conflict for another four to six weeks. Meanwhile, Trump faces pressure from Republican allies and external advisors to end the conflict quickly, and dissatisfaction is rising among Gulf allies. Iran’s attacks on civilian targets such as refineries and hotels are shaking confidence in the security of commerce in the Gulf region.

Aware of Hormuz Risks, Still Determined to Start War

The Wall Street Journal reported that before the US-Israeli joint operation started, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Gen. Dan Caine briefed Trump multiple times, warning that attacking Iran could prompt Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, causing a major shock to the global economy.

Trump admitted this was a possibility but decided to proceed. His judgment: Before Tehran is capable of blocking the strait or inflicting significant economic damage, it is likely they will surrender; even if things escalate, the US military is capable of handling it.

However, events unfolded contrary to expectations. Iran not only blocked the strait but also launched missiles and drones across a wide area from Azerbaijan to Oman. Reports say the scale of Iran’s retaliation surprised Trump and some of his advisors.

Military Confidence Is the Core Driving Force Behind Decisions

The Wall Street Journal cites government officials and informed sources saying the core logic behind Trump’s push for war is his deep confidence that American military strength could rapidly achieve decisive victory.

Trump frequently praises the fighting abilities of the military and holds Gen. Caine in especially high regard, often calling him by his nickname “Razin Caine.” Despite setbacks, Trump maintains public confidence in the military mission.

But the cost keeps rising. The death of 13 American soldiers has made this Iran war the deadliest military action of Trump’s two terms.

The Venezuela Experience Reinforced Regime Change Illusions

Reports claim that last summer’s “Midnight Hammer Operation” against three Iranian nuclear facilities convinced Trump that he could bomb Iran, withstand brief backlash, and then personally direct the exit strategy.

This January’s successful ousting of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro further strengthened Trump’s belief—that precise military action supporting a moderate successor could achieve swift regime change without broader instability.

But the outcome in Iran is completely different. The US-Israeli joint strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei, whose son Mojtaba Khamenei immediately succeeded him and publicly swore to continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz. Trump himself expressed regret, stating that the military action killed leaders who might have fostered friendly relations between Iran and the US.

Small Circle Decisions, Excluding Dissenting Voices

The Wall Street Journal reports that planning for military action against Iran was carried out within a very small circle, including Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, bypassing the standard process involving multiple rounds of National Security Council deliberations, written proposals, and cross-departmental input.

This approach reduced leaks and accelerated decisions, but also limited the range and space for dissenting opinions Trump could hear when assessing the risks of going to war.

According to US officials, some key issues remain unresolved, including: how to evacuate US citizens in the event of escalating conflict, and how to ensure Iran’s next leader maintains friendly relations with Washington.

No Clear Timeline for Ending the War

While Trump has repeatedly stated the war “may end soon” and has already claimed victory, The Wall Street Journal reports that one senior White House official says Trump is currently “firm in his stance,” and internally they are considering continuing for another four to six weeks.

Last Friday, Trump said he would end the war when his intuition told him the time was right. Currently, he is under pressure from external advisors, from within the Republican Party (facing tough mid-term election prospects), and from Gulf allies to terminate the conflict as soon as possible.

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