Donald Trump says US may ‘wind down’ Iran war as UK opens bases for strikes
donald trump said the United States is “getting very close to meeting our objectives” and is considering winding down its military efforts in the Middle East while urging other nations to guard the Strait of Hormuz. Earlier, UK ministers confirmed on 20 March 2026, ET that the UK has approved the use of British bases for US defensive operations to degrade missile sites targeting the Strait of Hormuz. The move follows renewed strikes, activated air defences in Tehran and evacuation orders in Lebanon’s southern suburbs as the region braces for further action.
Strikes, evacuations and air defences
Strikes are under way on Tehran and air defences have been activated in the city, the military updates say. Drone and missile attacks are being reported across the Gulf. The Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for seven neighbourhoods in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, specifying Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Laylaki, Haddad, Borj el-Brajneh, Tawhidat al-Ghadir and Shiyah; the IDF’s Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, wrote that residents “must evacuate immediately. ”
Donald Trump on winding down war and the Strait of Hormuz
donald trump framed the strategy as nearing its objectives: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East with respect to the Terrorist Regime of Iran, ” he said. On the Strait of Hormuz he added that it “will have to be guarded and policed, as necessary, by other Nations who use it — The United States does not!” and that the US would assist “if asked” but that policing should not remain necessary once what he called Iran’s threat is eradicated. He also expressed clear displeasure with the timing of the UK decision, calling it “very late” and saying the UK “should have acted a lot faster. ”
UK ministers, regional policing and what comes next
UK ministers met to discuss Iran’s targeting of commercial shipping, civilian infrastructure and the blocking of the Strait of Hormuz, and confirmed on 20 March 2026, ET that the agreement for the US to use UK bases includes US defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships. Ministers emphasised the need for urgent de‑escalation and a swift resolution while underscoring commitment to defend people, interests and allies under international law without being drawn into a wider conflict.
Immediate reactions have come from named officials: Donald Trump, President of the United States, reiterated his view that the US is close to its objectives; Avichay Adraee, IDF Arabic spokesperson, ordered civilians in specified Beirut suburbs to evacuate immediately as operations continue. The Iranian foreign minister has publicly accused the UK prime minister of placing British lives at risk and declared that Iran will exercise its right to self‑defence.
Looking ahead, attention will focus on whether regional partners step into the policing role the president described and how quickly diplomatic pressure can produce de‑escalation. The choices of those partners, the UK’s enforcement of the bases agreement and ongoing military operations will determine whether the phase that donald trump called a winding down begins in earnest or whether the conflict expands further.
