Trump: Iran War "Nearing End

United States President Donald Trump said on April 15, 2026, that the conflict with Iran is “very close to over,” as regional military and diplomatic activity continued across the Middle East. His comments came while Israeli operations were ongoing in Lebanon and as Israel and Lebanon held rare direct talks in Washington, D.C., according to officials familiar with the discussions.

The statement followed a two-week ceasefire between the U.S.-Israeli alliance and Iran. The International Monetary Fund has warned that any renewed escalation could be severe enough to tip the global economy into recession, highlighting the broader financial stakes tied to the conflict’s trajectory.

On the economic front, the U.S. Treasury announced it would not renew a temporary sanctions waiver that had allowed the sale of Iranian oil. Officials said the decision would effectively stop all Iranian sea trade. At the same time, the United States has enforced a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint for global energy shipments.

Iran has put its war losses at $270 billion and said it plans to seek reparations. Separately, the International Atomic Energy Agency said the length of any moratorium on uranium enrichment is ultimately a political decision, underscoring that the timeline for restrictions would depend on negotiations rather than technical constraints alone.

Diplomacy also extended to Lebanon, where U.S.-brokered talks brought Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors into discussions in Washington. Officials said the agenda includes a ceasefire and the disarmament of Hezbollah, placing security arrangements at the center of the talks alongside efforts to reduce cross-border violence.

Trump said negotiations with Iran could resume in Pakistan “within days,” with uranium enrichment described as a central dispute. The United States is seeking a 20-year halt, while Iran has proposed five years, according to the details cited. The gap between those positions remains a key unresolved issue as officials weigh next steps.

In U.S. domestic politics, the Senate is expected to vote on limiting presidential war powers, reflecting heightened scrutiny over executive authority during the conflict. In Europe, Italy suspended a defense agreement with Israel amid domestic pressure, adding a separate political dimension to allied relationships as the region watches for signs of de-escalation or renewed confrontation.