US President Donald Trump has reportedly indicated to senior advisers that he could be willing to bring the conflict with Iran to an end even without reaching a new nuclear agreement with Tehran. However, Iran’s conditions for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz are creating fresh obstacles to any possible settlement.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration had been considering a declaration of victory if commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz could be fully restored. With negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme proving difficult, Washington’s focus has increasingly shifted towards reopening the vital waterway.
Tehran, however, has significantly expanded its demands. Iranian officials have called for the permanent end of the conflict, the withdrawal of US forces from the region, an end to the American naval blockade, sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and compensation for wartime damage before the waterway can be reopened.
Iran has also demanded an end to US military threats and action against its regional allies. These conditions have made it more difficult for the Trump administration to find an exit from the conflict that can be presented as a political success in Washington.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a major source of leverage for Tehran. Iran closed the waterway after the conflict began in February, disrupting shipping through one of the world’s most important routes for energy supplies. Although Trump has repeatedly said that the strait was open, commercial traffic has yet to return to normal levels.
Pressure grows inside the US
The issue has become increasingly important for Trump as US gasoline prices remain above their pre war levels and the midterm elections approach. The president has also appeared increasingly willing to consider ending the conflict without obtaining a new nuclear agreement.
Trump recently shared a social media post declaring that he had won the Iran war, while Vice President JD Vance said Washington would continue putting pressure on Tehran. The White House has maintained that US forces have already achieved their military objectives in Iran.
A White House official told the Wall Street Journal that restoring the free movement of energy through the Strait of Hormuz is now a central priority. At the same time, Washington is keeping military options available should Iran launch further attacks on vessels.
Frozen Iranian assets remain a major issue
Financial demands are another major obstacle in the negotiations. Iran is seeking billions of dollars in compensation and wants overseas assets that have been frozen under US sanctions to be released.
Trump has previously said that American taxpayers would not be required to provide money to Iran. However, a possible agreement could involve the release of at least some Iranian assets under specific conditions. There is also disagreement over whether Iran should once again be permitted to sell oil in international markets.
The nuclear issue itself may no longer be the immediate barrier to ending the conflict. According to US officials cited by the Wall Street Journal, Trump believes that attacks on three major Iranian nuclear facilities have significantly weakened Tehran’s ability to rebuild its programme.
The administration reportedly believes that any attempt by Iran to restart its nuclear capabilities could be detected through US intelligence. If Iran’s nuclear capabilities remain contained and commercial shipping resumes through the Strait of Hormuz, Trump could be more inclined to extend the existing ceasefire indefinitely.
Washington is also expected to lift its blockade of Iranian ports if Tehran agrees to fully reopen the strategically important waterway.