President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday that the conflict with Iran is "very close to ending," though he cautioned that military pressure on the Iranian regime remains in effect.
This information was shared by Fox News following an interview with Maria Bartiromo on the program "Mornings with Maria," where Trump justified the implementation of Operation Epic Fury as essential to preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.
"I had to take a different approach because if I hadn't, Iran would have a nuclear weapon right now," declared the President.
He also emphasized that the military campaign is not yet concluded: "If I were to pull back now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we're not done yet."
The Status of a Potential Deal
While discussing the possibility of an agreement, Trump expressed cautious optimism: "I think they are very eager to make a deal."
Operation Epic Fury, a joint offensive by the United States and Israel launched on February 28, 2026, resulted in the destruction of Iran’s nuclear sites at Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow, and led to the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei on March 1.
According to the Trump administration, the operation eliminated 90% of Iranian missiles and 95% of its drones, though independent analyses suggest around 80% of Iran's industrial nuclear base was affected, rather than completely destroyed.
The Iranian enriched uranium stockpiles remain largely intact. As of March, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed Iran possessed 5,500 kilograms of enriched uranium at 60%, enough to build nine nuclear bombs.
Ceasefire and Failed Peace Talks
A two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, began on April 8 and is set to expire on April 21, although both parties have reported violations.
Peace negotiations held in Islamabad from April 10 to April 12 ended without agreement after 21 hours of discussion. The U.S. delegation, led by Vice President JD Vance, along with Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, demanded the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program and a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment.
Representatives from Iran, including Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, proposed only a five-year pause and sought $270 billion in compensation. Following the breakdown in talks, Vance was clear: "They have chosen not to accept our terms... bad news for Iran."
On April 14, Trump ordered a naval blockade of Iranian ports to halt the regime's oil exports, a move China criticized as "dangerous and irresponsible," warning of potential countermeasures.
Despite the stalemate, the United Nations stated yesterday that a resumption of negotiations is "highly likely," and Trump indicated that another round of talks could occur within the next two days, potentially this Thursday in Islamabad.
Key Questions on the Iran Conflict
What is Operation Epic Fury?
Operation Epic Fury is a military operation conducted by the United States and Israel aimed at dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities by targeting key facilities.
Why did peace talks in Islamabad fail?
The peace talks failed because the U.S. demanded a complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program and a 20-year moratorium, which Iran only agreed to partially, seeking a five-year pause and financial compensation.
What impact did the naval blockade have?
The naval blockade ordered by Trump aimed to cut off Iran's oil exports, which China criticized, warning of countermeasures due to the potential global economic implications.