Trump keeps signaling an end to Iran war, but expert warns a crucial piece of his strategy is missing

President Donald Trump has shifted from saying Iran wanted a deal to declaring the United States no longer needs one, while also claiming the conflict has been won but is not formally over. The change leaves the future of negotiations unclear as Washington continues military and economic pressure on Tehran.

The article says Trump has suggested at least a dozen times since February that Iran wanted to negotiate or that an agreement was near. The administration points to a naval blockade, control of the Strait of Hormuz and pressure on Iran’s economy as leverage. Hudson Institute fellow Ludovic Hood says that approach needs more disciplined diplomacy, closer alignment with Gulf partners and stronger engagement with European countries; disputes over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional shipping remain unresolved.