Trump says Iran war may end soon while official warns high gas prices could persist

President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday that the US war on Iran is "close to over," even as 10,000 additional American troops deploy to West Asia and Pakistan's army chief arrives in Tehran with a mediation team to prevent a renewal of hostilities. The military build-up includes forces aboard the USS George H.W. Bush and the Boxer Amphibious Readiness Group, with operations involving roughly 50,000 troops already underway. Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir, who mediated previous rounds of talks, met with Iranian officials to "narrow gaps" between the two sides, while the US seeks to extend a two-week ceasefire agreement. Despite Trump's assertions that Iran has lost its navy, air force, and anti-aircraft capabilities, analysts suggest the 40-day bombardment may have strengthened rather than weakened Iran's hardline military establishment. Trade through the Strait of Hormuz remains far from normal, and Iran has demonstrated significant leverage to disrupt global trade and drive up American gas prices. Vice President J.D. Vance outlined administration hopes for a "grand bargain" in which the US would treat Iran "economically like a normal country" if it acted accordingly, but Iran appears prepared to negotiate only on its own terms. Former US official Nate Swanson warned that Iran is unlikely to capitulate to American demands, stating the regime "will only make a deal they see as being in their interest, most likely small and transactional." High fuel prices are expected to persist for months, with airlines such as Spirit Airlines potentially facing liquidation as a result.