US President Donald Trump announced an unexpected turn in the war against Iran: The new Iranian president has asked Washington for a ceasefire. However, the American leader has already set a condition – negotiations will begin only after the Strait of Hormuz is opened.

«The new president of Iran, much less radicalized and much smarter than his predecessors, has just asked the United States of America for a ceasefire! We will consider this question when the Strait of Hormuz is open, free and clear. Until then, we are returning Iran to oblivion — or, as they say, to the Stone Age!!!» Trump wrote.

The American president's statement raises questions. It is unclear which specific Iranian official is being referred to. The current President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian, took office in July 2024 and indeed stated his readiness for a truce on the eve of the event, but under the condition of security guarantees.

At the same time Real power in Iran is concentrated not in the hands of the president, but with the supreme leader. In early March, Mojtaba Khamenei became the new supreme leader, the son of Ali Khamenei, who was killed in strikes by Israel and the United States. According to media reports, the new supreme leader adheres to his father's hard line and is closely associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Nevertheless Signals from Washington are becoming increasingly optimistic. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States is achieving its goals in the war with Iran faster than planned and sees «the finish line.».

For Ukraine, what is happening has direct strategic significance. Iran has supplied Russia with «Shahed» drones throughout the war. A capitulation or serious weakening of the Iranian regime could drastically reduce the supply of UAVs to the Russian army — and thereby reduce the intensity of attacks on Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.

Iran is asking for mercy. Trump is in no hurry to grant it — but the finale appears to be near.