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US President Donald Trump claims the war in Iran is “close to over” despite Iran’s new retaliation threat in response to America’s blockade. “I think it’s close to over. I mean, I view it as very close to over,” he said. It’s not clear if the ceasefire will be extended or if negotiations will reach a long-term peace deal, but US Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has confirmed both sides are engaging with one another.
President Trump believes the US blockade of Iranian ports will push the regime to agree to his terms, with about 90 per cent of their economy on the line. However, the Iranians say they’ll go further and block all ship traffic in the Gulf of Oman and Red Sea if the US blockade continues.