President Donald Trump is privately discussing with senior aides whether to formally declare the US-Iran war over, the Wall Street Journal reported on September 3, 2026. Trump favors the idea, while U.S. officials said he believes continued economic pressure could force the Iranian regime to dismantle its nuclear program or collapse. Advisers have warned that further escalation could damage Republican prospects in the midterm elections, where Trump says he will personally campaign in 35 key races. The discussions follow Iranian missile and drone attacks on U.S. forces, including a reported strike on facilities in Kuwait, as fighting continues near the Strait of Hormuz. Kuwait's army said its air defenses were intercepting hostile attacks and urged the public to follow security instructions. Iranian forces claimed strikes on several U.S. bases, but the U.S. had not responded to the previous night's attacks. The White House is concerned about rising oil prices and interceptor stockpiles described as "close to zero." Secretary of State Marco Rubio ordered U.S. embassies to press governments to "immediately and systematically" reduce trade with Iran, while Trump said a renewed campaign against Iran "won’t continue for too long." WTI crude traded below $91 a barrel and Brent crude around $95, while Bitcoin recovered above $77,000 after New York Fed President John Williams described inflation as easing. Bitcoin traded near $77,730, up more than 1% in several hours, with a $76,297 intraday low and $77,830 high. Volume fell 12% over 24 hours ahead of Friday's Non-Farm Payrolls data, while Polymarket participants assigned a 63% chance to Bitcoin reaching $85,000 by December 31, 2026.