Day 68: Trump Says Iran Deal 'Very Possible,' War 'Over Quickly' as Tehran Reviews US Proposal

On May 7, 2026 (Day 68 of the US-Iran war), President Trump expressed strong optimism that a peace deal with Iran was imminent. Trump stated it was 'very possible we'll make a deal' and that the war would be 'over quickly,' as Iran was actively reviewing the latest US proposal via Pakistan's diplomatic back-channel. Iran had submitted its own 14-point counter-proposal on May 2 demanding war termination within 30 days, security guarantees against future military action, an end to the naval blockade of Iranian ports, release of frozen Iranian assets (~$6 billion), war reparations, and lifting of economic sanctions. Iran's foreign ministry described the diplomatic track as 'dialogue and diplomacy' and confirmed consultations were ongoing. The Strait of Hormuz ceasefire remained in place on Day 68, with the US naval blockade of Iranian ports still active — 41 tankers (~69 million barrels) still blocked — and 'Operation Epic Fury' formally ended as of May 6. CNN's live news coverage confirmed US officials were awaiting Iran's formal decision, with Pakistani officials serving as intermediaries. Trump had warned days earlier that 'if they don't agree, the bombing starts' at a much higher intensity — maintaining maximum pressure while signaling openness to a deal. Defense Secretary Hegseth reiterated the US retained 'all options' while combat operations remained paused.