Trump Considers Formally Declaring End to Iran War, US Media Reports

WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump is privately considering whether to formally declare an end to the war with Iran, while the Pentagon is simultaneously planning to extend the deployment of American forces in the Middle East, according to The Wall Street Journal.

The report said Trump has discussed the possibility of formally ending the conflict with senior advisers and is supportive of the idea.

According to the report, the president believes continued economic pressure on Tehran could force Iran to make major decisions regarding its nuclear programme or face severe economic consequences.

The report said the United States launched “Operation Economic Outcast” last week as part of a wider campaign to increase pressure on Iran.

The measures are targeting several important sectors of the Iranian economy, including oil, maritime trade, aviation, gold, technology and digital assets.

Trump reportedly believes that sustained economic pressure could push Tehran toward major concessions regarding its nuclear activities.

At the same time, the Pentagon is reportedly moving ahead with plans to extend the deployment of US military forces in the Middle East.

The parallel moves have created a contrasting picture, with Washington considering a formal end to the war while maintaining a strong military presence in the region and continuing its economic pressure campaign against Tehran.

The continued deployment would allow the United States to retain military capabilities in the region even if the war is formally declared over.

According to The Wall Street Journal, no final decision has yet been announced regarding the formal conclusion of the war or the future of US military deployments in the Middle East.

The latest developments suggest that the Trump administration is weighing a shift from direct military confrontation toward intensified economic pressure while keeping American military forces positioned in the region.

Whether Washington ultimately declares the conflict over will depend on developments involving Iran’s nuclear programme, economic pressure and the broader security situation across the Middle East.