Trump Rules Out Ceasefire; US Approves $16.5 Billion Arms Deal to Gulf States as War Enters Week Four

President Donald Trump ruled out a ceasefire in the US-Israel war against Iran on Friday, telling reporters he believes the United States has "won" its confrontation with Tehran, even as the conflict entered its fourth week with no clear end in sight.

"We are getting very close to meeting our objectives," Trump wrote on Truth Social, listing progress including the degradation of Iran's missile capabilities and the destruction of its air force and navy. He suggested that once Iran's threat is "eradicated," other nations should take over responsibility for policing the Strait of Hormuz — a position that has drawn skepticism from Gulf allies who have so far declined to commit naval forces to the effort.

In a significant parallel development, the US approved a $16.5 billion arms deal to Gulf states, providing advanced air defense systems and precision munitions to countries that have come under sustained Iranian attack. The deal is expected to accelerate deliveries already underway to Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

Tehran dismissed Trump's "winding down" claim. A senior Iranian source told CNN that Iran "has no such estimate and concludes that the enemy's military posture in the region hasn't changed." Iran's foreign minister reiterated that any negotiations would need to include a complete halt to strikes on Iranian territory.

Gulf officials told CNN that Iran's attacks are paradoxically reshaping regional alliances, pushing Arab states closer to Washington. Some Gulf states are now more openly discussing joining a coalition to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz — a significant shift from their earlier reluctance.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a press conference that he sees "this war ending a lot faster than people think — we are winning, and Iran is being decimated." He denied that Israel had "dragged" the US into the conflict.