US President Donald Trump has declared that the conflict with Iran is “very close to being over,” even as American military operations continue across critical regions. While the White House signals cautious optimism ahead of a second round of talks with Tehran, actions on the field suggest the pressure campaign is far from over. From a tightening US naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz to intensified enforcement measures pushing vessels away from Iranian waters, the situation remains volatile. At the same time, Trump’s remarks that the United States is “not finished” raise fresh questions about the true state of the conflict. Is this the beginning of the end, or just another phase of strategic escalation? WATCH