Donald Trump says the U.S.-Iran war is "very close" to an end amid a two-week ceasefire, as U.S. and Iranian negotiators prepare to restart peace talks Thursday.

However, Donald Trump that if Iran doesn't agree, then the bombing will begin again, and this time, "at a much higher level and intensity" than before.

Trump threatens Iran with "higher level" strikes if it won't accept a peace deal, but says it's too soon for direct talks after reporting diplomatic progress.

Trump said talks were moving forward, although Iran dismissed suggestions that a deal was imminent, stating it had not yet submitted its reply to Pakistani intermediaries.

The President provided a number of details about talks with Iran, including a possible deal ahead of King Charles III visiting the White House at the end of April

As President Trump again voiced optimism that Iran will "make a deal" to end the war, Tehran declared itself the regulator of Strait of Hormuz shipping.

Iran-US war latest: Trump says war is close to over as US claims ‘maritime superiority’ in Middle East - JD Vance said Trump ‘wants to make the grand bargain’ with Iran after peace talks failed over t

President Donald Trump has indicated peace talks with Tehran could resume this week, as the United States turned the screws Wednesday with a naval blockade it said had cut off maritime trade with Iran.

P resident Trump really, really wants the war with Iran to end. He has declared victory many times, including about three weeks ago, when Iran briefly reopened the Strait of Hormuz. He has repeatedly extended his cease-fire deadlines instead of following through on his (sometimes-apocalyptic) threats to resume hostilities.