Trump Prepares to Declare Victory in Iran Conflict Without Nuclear Deal

US President Donald Trump is reportedly preparing to declare victory in the conflict with Iran even if a nuclear agreement is not reached, according to a Wall Street Journal report on Sunday. Sources familiar with the matter say Trump is considering ending the conflict without a formal nuclear deal with Iran. Earlier the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told the Iranian news agency Mehr that talks would not continue as long as the US violates the memorandum of understanding. Araghchi emphasized there are no direct talks with the US, only message exchanges through intermediaries. He also stated that the agreement on the Strait of Hormuz between Tehran and Oman is in its final stages but will not reopen the waterway until the US meets other conditions. The agreement will establish new shipping routes to be used once the strait reopens.

Meanwhile, the Washington Post reported that the Pentagon is pressuring American defense contractors to present plans within 21 days to accelerate weapons production and address severe shortages of interceptors caused by the conflict with Iran. The directive came from the US Deputy Secretary of Defense and aims to reduce weapons delivery times. The New York Times revealed that since the conflict began, the US military has launched over 1,500 Patriot interceptors, leaving fewer than 1,700 in stock. Even with accelerated production, it will take more than two years to replenish the depleted inventory.

Following a CNN report that US Army Chief of Staff General Dan McNeill is seeking an exit strategy from the Iran conflict and doubts further air campaigns will aid negotiations, Israel is reportedly preparing for the possibility of independent action against the Islamic Republic. Additionally, Vice President Mike Pence stated that Iran also wants to end the conflict, but the question remains whether it can meet US demands.