WSJ: Trump Willing to End Iran War Without Requiring Strait of Hormuz Reopening; Hegseth Calls for Diplomacy

The Wall Street Journal reported on March 31 that President Trump told aides he is willing to end the US-Israel war on Iran without requiring the Strait of Hormuz to be formally reopened as a precondition for a ceasefire — a significant shift from the administration's stated negotiating position. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth separately called on Iran's 'new regime' to pursue a diplomatic settlement to the conflict. Secretary of State Rubio had told G7 foreign ministers earlier in the week that the Iran war would continue 'another two to four weeks.' The reported diplomatic flexibility came as Pakistan and China jointly released a five-point peace proposal that included securing maritime passage through the Strait of Hormuz, with both nations calling for an immediate ceasefire. IRGC generals simultaneously announced Iran would begin targeting US companies operating in the Middle East region starting April 1.