Trump Predicts Rapid End to Iran Conflict Amid High Military Readiness and Diplomatic Progress

President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that the ongoing conflict with Iran could conclude "very quickly," claiming that Tehran is eager to reach a deal. Speaking at a congressional event, Trump emphasized that the U.S. continues to exercise significant military pressure, asserting that he was recently only an hour away from ordering additional strikes before being urged to wait by regional allies. Despite the optimistic rhetoric regarding a potential peace deal, the President warned that he may still order "another big hit" if negotiations fail to produce results. Vice President J.D. Vance echoed the sentiment of diplomatic movement, reporting "quite a lot of progress" on the Iran file during a White House briefing. However, the administration remains firm on its core demand: Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon. Vance stressed that no final agreement has been reached and that the U.S. military remains in a state of high readiness to resume operations if necessary. Meanwhile, in the Senate, a bipartisan effort to limit presidential war powers gained momentum, with a growing number of Republicans joining Democrats to push for increased congressional oversight of the conflict. The prospect of de-escalation had an immediate impact on global energy markets, with Brent and WTI crude prices falling as investors monitored the Strait of Hormuz. Despite the diplomatic openings, the regional environment remains volatile; the UN Security Council is currently discussing a recent attack in the United Arab Emirates, and officials in Tehran have countered U.S. pressure with threats of "surprises" and further retaliation.