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.

US President Donald Trump says he views the Iran war as "very close to over" in his latest comments amid a fragile ceasefire between the two countries.

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.

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.

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

Iran defended its demands for a peace deal after President Trump called them “unacceptable.” Oil prices rose and stocks were flat amid no signs of an end to the war.

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

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.