WASHINGTON/ISLAMABAD – In a high-stakes update on the ongoing Middle East conflict, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the war with Iran is “close to over.” Speaking in a Fox News interview set to air Wednesday, the President asserted that the U.S. has achieved a dominant strategic position, claiming it would take Tehran two decades to rebuild if American forces were to withdraw now.
The President’s remarks follow a significant escalation in economic pressure, as the U.S. Central Command confirmed the successful implementation of a total naval blockade on Iranian ports and the Strait of Hormuz within the last 24 hours.
The “Grand Bargain” and Nuclear Ambitions
Trump framed the conflict as a necessary intervention to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities.
“I had to divert because if I didn’t do that, right now you’d have Iran with a nuclear weapon,” Trump told Fox News. “And if they had a nuclear weapon, you’d be calling everyone over there ‘sir,’ and you don’t want to do that.”
Despite the aggressive stance, Vice President JD Vance indicated that the administration is still seeking a “grand bargain.” The U.S. has reportedly offered to help “Iran thrive” on the condition that it permanently abandons its nuclear program.
Renewed Diplomatic Efforts in Pakistan
While the first round of historic marathon talks in Islamabad ended in a stalemate over the weekend, a second round of negotiations appears imminent.
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Islamabad Venue: Trump hinted that talks could resume in the Pakistani capital “over the next two days.”
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Role of Pakistan: The President praised Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir for his role in mediating the dialogue.
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Negotiating Team: The U.S. delegation, led by VP JD Vance, includes Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who have been maintaining contact with Iranian intermediaries.
Economic and Military Context
The conflict, which began on February 28, 2026, has seen a fragile two-week ceasefire put under immense strain. Following the impasse in the first round of talks, the U.S. military launched Operation Epic Fury, a blockade intended to choke off Iranian oil revenue.
Global markets remain on edge as oil prices fluctuate based on the alternating signals of military blockade and diplomatic breakthroughs. Trump emphasized that he is not interested in a “small deal” or a temporary moratorium, stating, “I don’t want them to feel like they have a win.”
