Trump willing to end Iran war, declare victory without nuke deal: report

President Donald Trump has privately signaled he is willing to end the U.S. military confrontation with Iran and declare victory even if no nuclear deal is reached, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal. The key condition, officials said, would be Iran's reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping.

The report, which cites unnamed officials familiar with the discussions, adds a new layer of uncertainty to the ongoing confrontation in the Gulf. In conversations with senior aides, Trump floated the idea of winding down the conflict without securing a formal nuclear agreement, a position that marks a potential shift from the administration's earlier insistence on a comprehensive accord.

Background: A conflict with no end in sight

The United States and Iran have been locked in a standoff that escalated into direct military exchanges earlier this year. U.S. forces have conducted strikes on Iranian-linked targets, and Tehran has responded with missile and drone attacks. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipments.

Trump, who has long criticized overseas military engagements, has faced mounting pressure at home to bring troops back and reduce tensions in the Middle East. His reported willingness to accept a non-nuclear outcome suggests a pragmatic approach aimed at fulfilling his promise to end what he has called "endless wars."

The Strait of Hormuz: A strategic chokepoint

Reopening the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a crucial step toward de-escalation. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait in response to U.S. aggression, and any prolonged closure would have severe consequences for global energy markets. The Journal's report indicates that Trump regards the resumption of free navigation as a concrete achievement that could justify declaring victory.

However, it remains unclear whether Iran is willing to cooperate. While Tehran has called for an end to U.S. military operations, it has also conditioned any further negotiations on the lifting of sanctions and guarantees regarding its sovereignty. The reopening of the strait may be a face-saving step for both sides, but it is not a substitute for a long-term diplomatic solution.

What declaring victory would mean

If Trump proceeds with this plan, it would allow him to claim that the U.S. achieved its military objectives, even in the absence of a nuclear accord. Officials told the newspaper that the president believes America's renewed military strength and deterrence capabilities are enough to secure its interests without a formal treaty.

Critics, however, may argue that declaring victory without a nuclear deal leaves the core issue unresolved: Iran's uranium enrichment capabilities. The administration has repeatedly said that preventing a nuclear-armed Iran is a top priority, and walking away without a deal could be seen as a strategic failure. Yet, Trump may calculate that a de facto freeze on Iran's program, combined with the reopening of the strait, is sufficient to claim success. Some officials believe that a public declaration of victory would allow the administration to pivot to other priorities, such as countering China and domestic economic issues.

Implications and next steps

The proposal is still in its early stages and has not been formally adopted. It is unclear whether Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth or other senior officials support the idea. The Wall Street Journal noted that the plan could face resistance from hardliners in the region who view any compromise with Iran as a concession.

Regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, are closely monitoring the signals from Washington, as any sudden shift could redraw the security map of the Persian Gulf. As the 2026 midterm elections approach, Trump may seek to project strength and decisiveness. Ending the conflict with a declared victory, even without a nuclear deal, could bolster his standing with voters who are weary of costly overseas operations.

International observers will also be looking for concrete steps from Iran, not just words. For now, no official announcement has been made. The coming weeks will reveal whether the condition of reopening the Strait of Hormuz is met, and whether the president follows through on this reported inclination.