Faced with a war stalemate lasting over a month and domestic political pressures, U.S. President Donald Trump has recently signaled a clear "brake," hoping to end military actions against Iran as soon as possible. This shift is not merely a call for peace but a strategic contraction based on the logic of "war to force peace," intertwined with military, economic, and electoral considerations.

From "Maximum Pressure" to "Considering a Comeback"

Since the joint U.S.-Israel strike at the end of February, the conflict has not ended as quickly as expected. Although Trump publicly claimed that Iran has been "completely defeated" and emphasized U.S. military superiority, he privately told advisors that he hopes to end the conflict within the next few weeks. On March 20, he even posted on social media that he is considering "winding down" military efforts against Iran, marking the strongest signal yet for a ceasefire.

Three Major Pressures Driving a Hasty Exit

Trump’s eagerness to bring the conflict to a close is mainly constrained by the following realities:

Economic and Inflation Backlash: The war has caused international oil prices to surge by about 50%, and increased shipping risks in the Strait of Hormuz have triggered global energy market panic. High oil prices have directly pushed up U.S. domestic gasoline prices and living costs, hitting voters’ most sensitive nerves and posing a direct threat to his political prospects.

Midterm Election Dilemma: The 2026 midterm elections are approaching, and the prolonged war has consumed huge military funds without delivering clear "victories," leading to a decline in Trump’s approval ratings. He privately complains that the war distracts from core domestic issues like immigration and voting rights.

Military Quagmire Risks: Iran has not collapsed as expected; its missile and proxy capabilities remain intact. The U.S. military is well aware of the costs of getting trapped in a long-term security conflict like Afghanistan. Defense Secretary Hegseth has emphasized that the war’s goal is limited to "eliminating nuclear risks," not regime change or national reconstruction.

"Fifteen-Point Plan" and Diplomatic Chess

To achieve a quick withdrawal, the U.S. has proposed a "Fifteen-Point" ceasefire plan to Iran through channels like Pakistan. The core of the plan includes:

U.S. Demands: Iran must completely abandon its pursuit of nuclear weapons, dismantle key nuclear facilities (such as Natanz and Fordow), restrict ballistic missile programs, and cease arming regional proxies.

Exchange Conditions: The U.S. is willing to fully lift international sanctions on Iran and support its civilian nuclear projects.

However, this process is full of uncertainties. Iran currently maintains a tough stance, demanding that the U.S. first cease aggression and compensate for damages, and denying direct negotiations with the U.S.. Meanwhile, U.S. forces are still deploying additional troops to the Middle East (such as the 82nd Airborne), a "fight while talking" posture that analysts see as Trump trying to leverage negotiations to gain maximum benefits before a "dignified exit."

Conclusion

Trump’s "end the war as soon as possible" is essentially a carefully calculated stop-loss operation. He aims to, under the narrative of "victory," shift the burden of security in the Strait of Hormuz onto allies and use high-pressure diplomacy to force Iran into submission. For you in Jingmen, Hubei, this distant game most directly relates to international oil prices—ending the war will ease energy supply tensions and help stabilize global commodity prices.