Trump’s Iran ‘victory’ within reach? Tehran raises stakes over Hormuz

President Donald Trump had planned to declare victory in the Iran conflict if Tehran agreed to fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz. However, Iran's recent demands have complicated this objective, according to US officials. Iran has demanded substantial payments from the US, the withdrawal of American troops from the region, and an end to the US naval blockade.

These demands have made it more challenging for Trump to secure victory without a nuclear deal. Trump's willingness to launch a major military escalation against Iran has been wavering, but recent turmoil in negotiations indicates Tehran is preparing for a protracted conflict. Trump had earlier suggested a "victory" in the war without a nuclear agreement, but no such agreement has materialized.

Vice President JD Vance emphasized that Washington would continue to pressure Iran to make long-term changes in its relationship with the United States. Iran's ability to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has given Tehran significant leverage, impacting global oil markets. Despite Trump's claim that the strait was fully open, these claims have proven premature.

Iran's demands have weakened prospects for an agreement, with the UAE reporting a recent missile attack on one of its ships. Iran outlined a series of demands, including ending the war, lifting the naval blockade, withdrawing troops, ending sanctions, releasing frozen assets, paying war reparations, stopping threats, and halting military action against Iran's allies.