Key Points
- President Trump described the U.S.-Iran conflict as “very close to being over” in recent Fox News interview
- Peace negotiations scheduled to reconvene in Pakistan in coming days for second round
- U.S. Central Command confirms complete naval blockade of Iranian ports now operational
- Current ceasefire agreement remains in effect through April 21
- Brent crude oil prices holding steady around $95 per barrel, significantly elevated from pre-conflict levels
President Donald Trump has declared that the ongoing military conflict with Iran is approaching its conclusion, making these remarks while U.S. naval forces maintain a comprehensive blockade of Iranian maritime trade. The president’s statements came during a televised conversation with Fox Business host Maria Bartiromo, scheduled for broadcast Wednesday morning.
“I think it’s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over,” Trump said.
The military confrontation commenced on February 28, following joint U.S.-Israeli military operations targeting Iran. These strikes resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and inflicted substantial damage to Iranian military infrastructure and governmental facilities.
The conflict has claimed the lives of thirteen American military personnel. Regional casualties have reached into the thousands.
The president has consistently maintained that American military operations have “decimated” Iranian defense capabilities. Tehran has disputed these characterizations.
An interim ceasefire arrangement is presently active, set to expire on April 21. Initial peace discussions took place in Pakistan over the past weekend, with Vice President JD Vance heading the American delegation alongside senior administration representatives.
These preliminary negotiations yielded no substantive agreements. Vance indicated that “a lot of progress” had been achieved while emphasizing that Tehran must now make critical decisions.
“The ball is very much in their court,” Vance said.
Negotiators are preparing to resume discussions Thursday. According to the Associated Press, mediators are addressing three primary issues: Iran’s nuclear development program, access through the Strait of Hormuz, and financial reparations for war damages.
Complete Maritime Blockade Operational
Earlier this week, Trump authorized a comprehensive naval blockade targeting all Iranian maritime facilities. U.S. Central Command verified Tuesday that the blockade has been fully implemented.
“U.S. forces have completely halted economic trade going into and out of Iran by sea,” Central Command said.
Analysts suggest the blockade aims to increase leverage on Iranian negotiators before upcoming talks.
Nevertheless, the Wall Street Journal indicated that more than 20 commercial ships have recently traversed the Strait of Hormuz, implying some maritime traffic may be gradually resuming.
Crude Oil Markets Remain Volatile
Oil markets continue monitoring developments closely. Brent crude futures stood at $95.10 per barrel Wednesday morning, reflecting a 0.3% increase. U.S. West Texas Intermediate traded at $91.12, showing modest decline.
Both benchmarks remain considerably higher than pre-war pricing levels.
Trump also hinted the U.S. is not fully done with military operations. “If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we’re not finished,” he said.
He added that Iran “wants to make a deal very badly.”
In concurrent diplomatic developments, Israeli and Lebanese officials conducted their first direct negotiations in decades this week at Washington. Israel has maintained military operations against Hezbollah positions in Lebanese territory, potentially complicating the broader ceasefire framework.
