President Donald Trump has drawn a clear red line on Iran: he will not resume military operations unless American troops are killed, according to a Wednesday report in The Wall Street Journal.
The directive comes as the administration pursues a broader diplomatic agreement with Tehran despite warnings from Iranian officials that “no tangible progress” has been made.
“The war is over. We are not at war with Iran.”
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made that declaration during congressional testimony, insisting the military phase of the conflict has ended even as isolated attacks continue.
Trump has resisted pressure from advisers to respond to recent Iranian provocations with a broader campaign, viewing the fragile ceasefire as the best chance to avoid a prolonged Middle East conflict.
The president remains focused on preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while securing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy corridors.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered a far more cautious assessment this week, rejecting suggestions that a breakthrough is near.
“There has been progress, but no agreement has been reached,” Araghchi said, adding that significant differences remain between Washington and Tehran.
Rubio, meanwhile, pointed to extensive damage inflicted on Iran’s military during the fighting — including missile-launch facilities, air-defense systems, and naval assets.
“Other than that, they’re doing well,” Rubio said sarcastically after listing the damage.
According to the Journal, Trump has told advisers that U.S. troop deaths would constitute the red line requiring a forceful response — but absent that trigger, he intends to continue diplomacy.
The ceasefire has been tested repeatedly by sporadic attacks and regional tensions, while negotiators struggle with fundamental disagreements over Iran’s nuclear program and the terms of any long-term settlement.
Still, the administration appears determined to keep talks alive as Trump publicly voices optimism that a deal could be near.
