Trump proclaims potential end to Iran hostilities amid deep nuclear divide
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that the conflict initiated by Washington and Israel against Iran is "very close to the end." This statement comes as international diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent a full-scale resurgence of hostilities.
According to officials, Pakistan-mediated negotiations are expected to resume shortly. This follows a previous round in Islamabad that concluded without a formal agreement. General Asim Munir, Chief of the Pakistani Army, has arrived in Tehran to bridge the impasse between the warring parties.
In a recent interview, President Trump signaled that a formal extension of the current two-week truce might be unnecessary. He suggested both sides are now motivated to reach a permanent settlement. "It is very close to the end," the U.S. leader noted.
The maritime stalemate
Global financial markets responded positively to the de-escalation signals, with major indices approaching record highs. However, the situation on the ground remains volatile as the United States maintains a strict maritime blockade on Iranian ports.
U.S. officials claim no vessels successfully breached the perimeter in the last 48 hours. Conversely, Iranian state media reported that a supertanker successfully docked at the Imam Khomeini port, contradicting Washington's claims of a total seal.
The Iranian military command has issued warnings that it may halt all commercial traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the Sea of Oman, and the Red Sea. Such a move would paralyze essential global energy trade routes.
Nuclear and regional friction
A primary deadlock remains the Iranian nuclear program. Washington is demanding a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activities and the removal of enriched material from Iranian soil. Tehran has countered with a 3-to-5-year pause, contingent on the immediate lifting of international sanctions.
The conflict has also spilled into Lebanon, where Israel continues targeted strikes against Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israeli authorities are reportedly evaluating a separate ceasefire proposal specifically for the northern front.
The war has claimed approximately 5,000 lives to date. Reports indicate roughly 3,000 casualties in Iran and 2,000 in Lebanon, highlighting the heavy human cost of the regional destabilization.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
