Trump Declares Iran War ‘Close to Over’ as Pakistan’s Army Chief Arrives in Tehran
US President Donald Trump has indicated that the ongoing conflict with Iran may be nearing resolution, urging the global community to prepare for what he described as an “amazing two days.” This statement coincides with the arrival of Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, in Tehran, where he is expected to mediate discussions aimed at preventing further escalation of hostilities.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify
The renewed diplomatic initiative follows a recent round of talks in Pakistan that concluded without a significant agreement. Both US and Iranian officials are contemplating a return to Islamabad for further negotiations. Reports suggest that Israel anticipates an extension of a two-week ceasefire that was established last week with Iran.
Field Marshal Munir’s presence in Tehran has been confirmed by Pakistan’s military. According to a senior Iranian source, Munir’s mission is to “narrow gaps” between the conflicting parties, reflecting a commitment to dialogue.
Trump expressed optimism about the situation, stating that he believes the conflict is “very close to over.” He emphasized that the parties involved are eager to reach a deal, suggesting that the ceasefire may not need to be extended beyond its current timeline.
Recent Developments in the Conflict
The previous round of negotiations, which took place over the weekend, ended without a resolution to the war initiated by Trump and Israel on February 28. This conflict has led to Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbors and has reignited tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Trump’s positive outlook has had a noticeable impact on global markets, with stock prices rising towards record highs. Oil prices have also seen fluctuations, recently stabilizing around $95 per barrel after reports indicated that US blockades on Iranian ports had disrupted maritime trade.
Finance ministers from nearly a dozen countries, led by Britain, have urged the US, Israel, and Iran to fully implement the ceasefire, warning that the ongoing conflict could adversely affect the global economy.
Military Actions and Blockades
The US military has intensified its operations in the region, intercepting vessels including the Chinese-owned tanker Rich Starry, which was reportedly attempting to navigate the Strait of Hormuz. Additionally, a US destroyer halted two oil tankers that were trying to depart from the Iranian port of Chabahar.
Despite the ongoing blockade, an Iranian supertanker subject to US sanctions managed to cross the Strait of Hormuz towards Iran’s Imam Khomeini port. While major confrontations at sea have been avoided thus far, Tehran has warned of potential retaliation against any military actions.
Iran’s joint military command has issued a statement indicating that it would halt trade flows in the Gulf, Sea of Oman, and Red Sea if the US blockade continues. Trump has also issued threats of escalation, asserting that the US could swiftly target Iranian infrastructure if hostilities resume.
Prospects for Renewed Negotiations
Trump has indicated that US negotiators are likely to return to Pakistan, crediting Field Marshal Munir for his effective mediation. Vice President JD Vance, who led the US delegation during the last round of talks, noted that while Trump aims for a “grand bargain” with Iran, significant mistrust remains between the two nations.
A primary sticking point in negotiations has been Iran’s nuclear ambitions. The US proposed a 20-year suspension of all nuclear activities, a notable shift from its previous demands for a permanent ban. In contrast, Iran has suggested a temporary halt of 3 to 5 years. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, remarked that the duration of any moratorium on Iranian uranium enrichment is ultimately a political decision.
Washington has also insisted on the removal of enriched nuclear material from Iran, while Tehran has called for the lifting of international sanctions.
Sources involved in the negotiations have indicated that back-channel discussions have yielded some progress, potentially paving the way for a new round of talks.
Regional Tensions and Military Actions
Complicating the peace process, Israel has continued its military operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah. Both Israel and the US assert that these actions fall outside the scope of the ceasefire, while Iran maintains that they do.
Israel’s security cabinet is scheduled to convene to discuss a potential ceasefire in Lebanon, following rare discussions between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington.
Humanitarian Impact of the Conflict
The ongoing war has had devastating humanitarian consequences, with an estimated 5,000 fatalities reported, including approximately 3,000 in Iran and 2,000 in Lebanon. The governor of Tehran province has stated that many of the deceased were students, women, teachers, and university professors.
The conflict has also led to significant disruptions in global oil supplies, as Iran has effectively restricted access to the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for crude oil and gas shipments. The US is not expected to renew a 30-day waiver of sanctions on Iranian oil, which is set to expire soon, further tightening the oil market.
For more details, refer to the source: www.arnnewscentre.ae.
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Published on 2026-04-15 14:13:00 • By the Editorial Desk
