Trump Weighs 60-Day Ceasefire Extension With Iran as U.S. Officials Push to Reopen Strait of Hormuz

U.S. forces had left Iran's military largely untouched after three months of conflict, even as he weighed a 60-day extension of the shaky ceasefire. The president told his daughter-in-law Lara Trump that Iran's navy and air force were "totally gone," but added that ground forces had been spared.

"Their military, we've sort of left it alone, because we think that their military is somewhat, somewhat moderate," he said. " Trump said the decision was intended to prevent the kind of collapse seen in parts of Iraq and Syria after the rise of the Islamic State.

"Mistakes have been made in wars where you wipe out everybody and then you have a country that, for 40 years you can never rebuild," he said, citing Iraq. Minutes later in the same interview he offered a different assessment. "Iran is in a very bad position.

They have no military, all they have is good talk and a fake press," Trump said. The war passed the three-month mark this week with the United States still unable to force open the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations on extending the ceasefire are continuing, though the two sides remain divided over Iran's nuclear program and future enrichment limits.

U.S. officials said last week that any extension would include immediate reopening of the strait. Vice President JD Vance told reporters Thursday that parts of the proposed deal were still being adjusted.

The national average gasoline price rose more than a dollar a gallon after fighting began and has since edged lower amid optimism over the talks. Iranian forces have stated they retain the ability to disrupt shipping through the strait. It was reported as early as last Thursday that a 60-day extension had been completed and was awaiting the president's approval.