Trump May End US-Iran War Without Nuclear Deal if Hormuz Reopens

President Donald Trump has privately discussed ending the US-Iran war without securing a nuclear agreement. He would consider that step if Tehran fully reopened the Strait of Hormuz, according to a The Journal report on August 9.

The report cited US officials familiar with the private discussions. It said reopening the waterway has become central to efforts to halt the US-Iran war. The White House has not announced a nuclear policy change, leaving the reported option as an internal consideration rather than a formal strategy.

BREAKING: President Trump has been floating the idea privately to senior aides that he’s willing to “walk away” from the Iran War without a nuclear deal should Iran fully reopen the Strait of Hormuz, per WSJ.

Details include:

1. This objective reportedly became “more difficult”…

— The Kobeissi Letter (@KobeissiLetter) August 9, 2026

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What Iran Demands to Reopen Hormuz

Iran has linked a lasting reopening of Hormuz to compensation, sanctions relief, and wider security demands. According to the Journal, Tehran wants billions of dollars in US payments and an end to the American naval blockade. It also seeks the complete withdrawal of US military forces from the region.

Reuters reported that Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi demanded compensation for American attacks. Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, secretary of Iran’s top security body, requested sanctions relief and access to frozen Iranian assets. 

He also sought an end to US military pressure on Iran and its allies, adding further conditions to efforts to end the US-Iran war.

The White House outlined its public position on July 28. Its statement said Iran could not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. It also warned that US forces could strike additional sites if diplomatic efforts failed, and the administration has not publicly reversed that position.

How Hormuz Talks Shape the US-Iran War

Tehran has kept its discussions with Oman separate from a broader settlement with Washington. 

Araqchi said the shipping-lane agreement was in its final stages but would not automatically reopen Hormuz. He added that Iran and the United States were only exchanging messages through intermediaries.

The Journal said Trump believes earlier US strikes damaged Iran’s main nuclear facilities. He reportedly told aides that Tehran may be unable to rebuild its nuclear program during his presidency. 

The report said he expects US intelligence to detect renewed work and believes further military action could deter rebuilding during the US-Iran war.

Markets continue to pay close attention to whether commercial shipping at Hormuz can resume as normal. According to Reuters, Sunday saw subdued trading across the Gulf’s stock markets, with market players waiting to see the details of the Oman-Iran arrangement. On Friday, Brent crude oil closed at $83.55 per barrel, up $1.06, or 1.3%.

What Could End the US-Iran War

Bitcoin trades at $65,147 on Sunday, but no evidence directly linked the price move to the Journal report. As US markets were closed, it was hard to evaluate the immediate reaction.

However, the US-Iran war has affected the outlook on cryptocurrencies through oil prices, the inflation outlook, and general geopolitical risks.

The reports put Hormuz at the center of the ongoing diplomacy efforts between the two countries. 

Any deal made would be dependent on published terms, shipping access, and concessions by both sides. Without these elements, the conditions for ending the US-Iran war remain unsettled.

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