Trump Declares Iran War Militarily Over While U.S. Forces Remain ‘Locked and Loaded’
President Trump declares the war with Iran militarily over but warns the military is ready as Tehran demands surrender and global tensions rise.
POLICY WIRE — Washington, D.C. — President Trump stated on Monday that the conflict with Iran has effectively concluded from a military standpoint. While the president indicated he has no intention of resuming airstrikes at this time, he emphasized that the American military remains fully prepared to act if regional conditions shift.
The remarks followed a meeting between Trump and the Prime Minister of Qatar, who has served as a vital intermediary between the two adversarial nations. Trump expressed optimism that there is positive momentum toward a diplomatic resolution to end the eight-month struggle.
In contrast, Iranian security officials are issuing aggressive demands. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council of Iran, posted on X that the U.S. government has been devastated by the war. Rezaei urged the Trump administration to surrender and accept seven specific conditions as the baseline for any peace.
Rezaei characterized Washington as a desperate gambler and told the U.S. to stop producing what he called fake news regarding imaginary peace talks. He further demanded that the West acknowledge a new regional order emerging in West Asia.
Tehran’s list of demands, which Secretary of State Marco Rubio labeled as unacceptable, includes the removal of the U.S. blockade on Iranian vessels and ports. Iran also seeks an end to all hostilities—including those between Israel and Hezbollah—the lifting of oil and gas sanctions, the release of frozen state funds, and the payment of war reparations.
Tensions remain high in the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed Tuesday that two oil tankers were halted by explosions in the area. One vessel reportedly struck a mine while the other was being protected by U.S. fighter jets.
The IRGC accused the tankers of violating restricted shipping lanes by traveling near the coast of Oman. Iran has repeatedly warned that any ships using these southern routes will face similar consequences, despite the U.S. insisting the waters are safe and open.
Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition reported it intercepted a ballistic missile targeted at Riyadh. The capital has faced daily strikes from Houthi militias since October. The European Union stated it stands ready with a unified response after blaming Iran for the attack.
Global energy markets have reacted to the signs of de-escalation. Brent crude hovered around $90 per barrel on Tuesday morning, while U.S. benchmark crude dropped 2.2% to $84.94. This downward trend continues as investors become more optimistic that a full-scale war is no longer imminent.
On the domestic front, political pressure is mounting. Kentucky Representative Thomas Massie introduced articles of impeachment against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The 34-page document alleges high crimes and accuses Hegseth of waging war without congressional authorization. House leaders have delayed the vote until November.
Dr. Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic adviser in the United Arab Emirates, noted that a decisive settlement is unlikely for a long period. He pointed to Iran’s struggling economy and the fundamental dispute over nuclear capabilities as factors that make a comprehensive political agreement extremely difficult to achieve.
Reporting by Policy-Wire (PW)
