Trump Signals End to US-Iran Conflict as Peace Talks Resume

IRAN, April 15, 2026

US President Donald Trump said the war with Iran is "very close to being over," while asserting that the United States is "not done" with its military campaign, as Washington prepares for a second round of talks with Tehran as continuing tensions in West Asia alongside parallel diplomatic efforts. Trump's remarks suggest the Iran conflict may be nearing an end, with diplomatic efforts currently underway. The US, along with Israel, launched a military campaign against Iran on February 28, accusing Tehran of pursuing nuclear weapons of mass destruction.

The Path to Peace Talks

The first round of peace talks between the US and Iran ended without an agreement on Iran's nuclear ambitions, which the White House says is a sticking point. "If I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we’re not finished," Trump said. Trump said this to emphasize the leverage the US has in the negotiations and to pressure Iran into making concessions. The US military has halted all sea trade going into and out of Iran, with 90% of Iran's economy relying on maritime trade, according to CENTCOM commander Brad Cooper.

The US Strategy

The US has implemented a naval blockade of Iranian ports, which has forced several vessels to turn back from Iranian waters. The blockade has been "fully implemented" within 36 hours of its launch, according to a social media post by the US Central Command. "I think it’s close to over, yeah. I view it as very close to being over," Trump told Fox Business in an interview. Trump said this to signal to Iran that the US is committed to finding a peaceful resolution, while also maintaining pressure on Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.

The Iranian Perspective

The Iranian government has not commented publicly on the latest developments, but Vice President JD Vance said Trump wants to make a "grand bargain" with Iran, which would involve Iran committing to not having a nuclear weapon in exchange for economic benefits. "The ball is very much in their court," Vance said, adding that "the Iranians are going to determine what happens next." Vance said this to shift the responsibility for the outcome of the negotiations to Iran, while also emphasizing the US commitment to finding a peaceful resolution.

The Economic Stakes

The conflict has already had significant economic consequences, with thousands of US service members and civilians killed or injured, and billions of dollars in damage to infrastructure and trade. The blockade of Iranian ports has halted all sea trade going into and out of Iran, which could have long-term consequences for the Iranian economy. The US Treasury Department has announced that it will not renew a short-term authorization permitting the sale of Iranian oil already stranded at sea, which could further exacerbate the economic crisis in Iran.