President Donald Trump has said he is considering "winding down" the Iran war because the US was "getting very close" to meeting its military objectives.
He also said the Strait of Hormuz would have to be guarded by other nations who use it, stating that the US wasn't one of them.
Energy prices have soared since Iran effectively closed the shipping route after the conflict began last month. Iran's new supreme leader, meanwhile, said the country had dealt "a dizzying blow" to the enemy.
Trump has previously indicated the war was almost over, only for it to escalate. The White House this week requested $200bn more in funding for the conflict. More troops and warships are being sent to the region.
On Friday afternoon in Washington, Trump told reporters from outside the White House as he prepared to embark for Florida: "I don't want to do a ceasefire.
