Axios: Trump weighs Iran exit strategy as deadline nears

US President Donald Trump is weighing potential exit strategies from the Iran standoff, including scenarios in which the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and no agreement is reached, even as the administration continues to build up military forces in the region, Axios writes.

According to people familiar with internal discussions, the White House is considering a range of contingencies that could see a rapid escalation followed by a withdrawal.

The positioning of additional assets in the region has prompted some officials to describe the current posture as resembling the early stages of an invasion force, though aides stress the president’s preference is to avoid deploying ground troops.

"He doesn't want to do boots on the ground," one of his advisers said. "And when he doesn't want to do something, he goes to great lengths not to do it. ... Of course, that's the kiss of death, when you think you can predict him."

The deliberations come ahead of an April 6 deadline cited by officials as a key decision point. Some within the administration believe that if no diplomatic breakthrough is achieved by then, Trump could authorise what they describe as a “final blow” — involving heavy strikes on Iranian infrastructure and nuclear-related facilities — before scaling back US involvement.

With concerns persisting that Iran retains a resilient missile and drone capability that cannot be fully eliminated, officials say one emerging doctrine under consideration is a so-called “mowing the grass” approach. This would involve periodic strikes aimed at degrading capabilities over time rather than attempting total destruction in a single campaign.

"The president said early on we might have to come back," another administration official said. "And we might have to."

"If we have to mow the lawn again, the grass won't be nearly as tall next time," the official said.

The approach reflects an acknowledgement among planners that any initial military action may not permanently neutralise Iran’s arsenal, potentially requiring follow-up operations after the intensity of the conflict subsides.

Trump is expected to address the nation on Iran at 9 pm ET on Wednesday, a speech that officials say could provide further clarity on the administration’s intentions, though aides caution that his position has remained fluid and subject to change.

By Aghakazim Guliyev