Trump weighs declaring the protracted Iran war over, but Tehran has other plans

The United States appears to be facing an awkward choice: President Donald Trump may declare the war with Iran over, even though both sides are still firing, the Strait of Hormuz remains largely crippled and Iran still holds enriched uranium.

The Wall Street Journal reported that US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was “quietly extending troop deployments” into 2027, suggesting the conflict could continue well into next year. At the same time, Trump has reportedly discussed with senior aides whether to formally end the war, with officials saying he “favours the idea.”

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quietly extending troop deployments

The article argues that such a declaration would not amount to mission accomplished. The war’s central aim, preventing Iran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons, has not been met because Iran still has highly enriched uranium in a hidden location. A second goal, regime change, has also failed. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps remains effectively in charge in Tehran, while Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has succeeded his father, Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the early days of the war.

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favours the idea

The goal then shifted to reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial route for about 20% of the world’s crude oil and gas. Only a trickle of tankers now passes through because insurers are reluctant to provide coverage. The United States has also resumed waves of strikes, while Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has outlined a plan for “economic asphyxiation” of the Iranian regime.

Both countries are suffering, but the political effects differ. The article says Iran’s Revolutionary Guard is unlikely to yield despite shortages of fuel, food and other goods. Trump cannot run for another term, but his Republican Party faces growing pressure as the war drags on and the administration’s stated objectives remain unmet.

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economic asphyxiation