The themes persist despite a monthlong ceasefire, mutual blockades and shifting negotiations over a Pakistan-brokered proposal, while Trump this week again said a deal was near.
He has repeatedly said Iran's military is devastated, the US is in control and Tehran wants an agreement, even as no deal has emerged and Congress has not authorised the war.
Trump also keeps contrasting any outcome with Barack Obama's nuclear deal and argues the conflict is needed to stop Iran getting a nuclear weapon, despite earlier intelligence assessments.
As Iran publicly rejects peace proposals, what unreported factors are keeping these high-stakes negotiations from collapsing?
If intelligence shows Iran can fight for months, what is the true US endgame in the Strait of Hormuz?