Report: Trump Considering Way Out of Iran War Without Nuclear Agreement

President Donald Trump is reportedly considering ending the conflict with Iran without pursuing a new nuclear agreement, instead viewing success as contingent on Iran fully reopening the Strait of Hormuz while keeping its nuclear capabilities effectively contained.

The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump has privately told senior advisers he may be willing to forgo negotiations over Tehran's nuclear program if Iran restores unrestricted shipping through the strategic waterway.

The administration has increasingly focused efforts on reopening the Strait of Hormuz after broader diplomatic talks stalled. Iran, however, has demanded substantial concessions in exchange, including billions in payments, an end to the U.S. Naval blockade, withdrawal of American forces from the region, and other significant measures.

Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, said the Islamic Republic is also demanding an end to the war, lifting of sanctions, release of frozen Iranian assets, compensation for wartime damages, and an end to U.S. Military operations against Iranian-backed militias before permitting normal shipping through the strait, according to Iranian state media.

These conditions have complicated the Trump administration's efforts to conclude the conflict while portraying it as a strategic victory, the report said.

Trump has repeatedly expressed optimism about achieving a nuclear agreement while warning of potential military escalation. More recently, he has suggested America has already achieved its principal objectives without a formal nuclear accord.

Vice President JD Vance said the administration will continue pressing Iran to fundamentally change its relationship with the United States, maintaining pressure if Tehran refuses to alter its course.

A White House official told the newspaper that the United States has already accomplished its military goals and that the administration's immediate priority is ensuring uninterrupted global energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. Military options remain available if Iran resumes attacks on commercial shipping.

U.S. Officials said Trump has told senior aides that Iran may be incapable of rebuilding its nuclear program during his presidency following destruction of its three principal nuclear facilities. The president has expressed confidence that American intelligence agencies would quickly detect any attempt by Tehran to reconstruct those sites or secretly pursue nuclear weapons.

If Iran's nuclear threat remains contained and the Strait of Hormuz is completely reopened, Trump could allow the current ceasefire to remain indefinitely, with the United States potentially ending its military blockade of Iranian ports.

Financial disputes remain obstacles to broader agreement. Iran is demanding war damages compensation and access to frozen overseas assets, while Trump has stated U.S. Taxpayers will not finance payments to Tehran. The two sides also remain divided over whether Iran should be permitted to export oil under sanctions waivers.

Trump's recent public remarks increasingly suggest he is seeking a path to end the conflict. He recently described the Strait of Hormuz as "sort of open right now," While acknowledging Iran retains the capability to threaten commercial vessels with missiles, drones, and naval mines.

The president has also minimized concerns over Iran's deeply buried uranium stockpile, arguing the material is effectively inaccessible due to its depth underground.

The administration's ability to conclude the conflict now appears closely tied to whether Tehran ultimately agrees to restore normal maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.