Trump Iran War Declaration: Economic Pressure Strategy

U.S. President Donald Trump is weighing whether to declare an end to the war with Iran, and is currently leaning toward making such an announcement, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday morning.

According to the report, Trump has held confidential discussions with senior administration officials in recent weeks about the possibility of declaring the conflict over. The move aligns with a broader strategy in which Washington seeks to avoid returning to large-scale military engagement, instead applying heavy economic pressure on Tehran.

The president believes such pressure could ultimately force the regime to dismantle its nuclear program or lead to its collapse.

However, the United States is not rushing to reduce its military presence in the region. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has extended the deployment of American forces in the Middle East through 2027. According to the report, this includes approximately 50,000 troops, 19 warships, air defense systems, and fighter squadrons.

War May End, Strikes Could Continue

Even a potential declaration ending the war is not expected to bring a complete halt to American military activity against Iran.

Officials briefed by the administration indicated that the intention is to avoid a return to intensive combat while continuing, as necessary, with targeted military operations designed to reduce the Iranian threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz region.

U.S. administration officials are expressing satisfaction with activity in the Strait of Hormuz, claiming they have significantly increased oil tanker traffic despite Iranian disruption attempts.

According to the United States, the volume of oil passing through the strait last week approached pre-war levels. International sources have cast doubt on the American figures but confirm that there has been an increase in the number of vessels successfully transiting the area.