While Trump signals in private talks a readiness for a ceasefire without a nuclear deal, Senator Chris Murphy offers a grim assessment of the situation and the economic consequences of the conflict to NBC News.
U.S. Senator Chris Murphy has sharply condemned the continuation of the conflict with Iran, stating in an interview with NBC News that the United States has lost the war and is weakening every day. His remarks come at a time when President Donald Trump, according to The Wall Street Journal, is showing a willingness in private conversations with aides to end the conflict even without a comprehensive nuclear agreement.
Murphy emphasized that at this point, he would support even a bad deal just to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz to traffic. "The war must end because every day it continues, America becomes weaker, Iran stronger, and people here in the United States are being deceived while prices keep rising," the senator told NBC News.
He specifically addressed the economic consequences felt by American citizens, making it clear that he will oppose approving additional funds for the continuation of the war. However, he left room for compromise regarding military readiness, stressing that he would support replenishing ammunition stockpiles, but only after the conflict is officially concluded.
According to The Wall Street Journal, citing U.S. officials, Trump has expressed a willingness in private conversations with aides to end the war with Iran without a nuclear agreement. The key condition he sets is that Tehran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz to free passage of ships.
The President assesses that Iran, after three key nuclear facilities were destroyed, will likely not be able to rebuild its nuclear program before the end of his term. Therefore, if navigation through the strait is restored, he is ready to maintain the ceasefire indefinitely. The White House has stated that the U.S. has already "completed all assigned tasks of the military operation." The full reopening of the waterway could also lead to the lifting of the American naval blockade on Iranian ports.
On the other hand, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Sunday that there are currently no direct negotiations with the United States. He was categorical regarding the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, insisting that it will not be reopened to traffic until Washington meets Tehran's key demands.
As the most important condition, Iran's top diplomat cited the complete lifting of the American naval blockade. This demand directly contradicts Trump's offer, which envisions only the possibility of lifting the blockade after the strait is opened, not before.
Despite diplomatic signals, military operations are ongoing. According to reports, another American drone was shot down in the southern parts of Iran. Trump himself previously claimed that Iran's air defense was "100% destroyed," but it is evident that certain capabilities are still operational.
