US President Donald Trump is prepared to declare victory in the war with Iran if Tehran restores shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, according to The Wall Street Journal.

US officials told the newspaper that Trump has privately indicated he could abandon efforts to secure a nuclear agreement with Iran in return for reopening the strategic waterway.

Trump is reportedly willing to let negotiations continue, particularly while petrol prices in the US remain stable.

A White House official said Washington had achieved its military objectives in Iran and that Trump was now prioritising the movement of oil through the strait. The US would maintain forces in the region and could attack Iran again if Tehran targeted vessels, the report added.

Trump also believes Iran cannot rebuild its nuclear facilities during his presidency after US forces struck three sites during the June 2025 war. He expects US intelligence to detect any reconstruction work and believes the threat of further attacks will deter Tehran, according to the newspaper.

Officials said Trump could extend the ceasefire indefinitely and end the US naval blockade if shipping resumes and Washington retains the ability to prevent Iran from restoring its nuclear programme.