Trump Claims Victory in Iran War as Blockades Stall Talks

President Donald Trump claims he holds all the cards in the Iran war, but Iran has stalled negotiations with its control over enriched uranium stocks, some buried for protection.

Trump dismissed Tehran's latest counter-proposal without finishing it, labeling it garbage. He said the ceasefire is on life support as the conflict enters its third month. Iran parliament speaker Mohammad Ghalibaf has not echoed Trump's optimism, despite the country's ailing economy.

The war's main goal was to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. Trump declares victory, but Iran portrays itself as the winner with its regime, missiles and nuclear programs intact.

Dueling blockades persist: Iran charges friendly ships 100 percent fees to pass the Strait of Hormuz, which carries one-fifth of global oil traffic, and blocks others with explosive mines. The U.S. has tightened its embargo on Iranian ports and vessels.

The Wall Street Journal reported the U.S. and Iran remain in a diplomatic stalemate, with the ceasefire now in its second month after brief fighting. Sporadic violence continues, but neither side wants to resume full combat.

Trump told reporters Iran thinks he will tire of the conflict or face pressure from high energy prices. "But there’s no pressure," he said. "We’re going to have a complete victory."

Ghalibaf warned Monday on social media that Iran's armed forces stand ready to respond to any aggression. U.S. intelligence officials told the New York Times that Iran has restored access to 30 of 33 missile sites along the strait, posing risks to American warships and oil tankers.

A top Pentagon official testified the war costs have reached about $29 billion. Trump avoids calling it a war.

Separately, Trump arranged a three-day ceasefire and prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine ahead of Vladimir Putin's parade. His meeting with Xi Jinping, postponed due to the Iran conflict, faces a chilled atmosphere amid U.S.-China tensions. Beijing views America as sliding into polarization and instability. Trump said China, which opposes the war, cannot help with Iran.