Minnesota U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar says it's time for President Trump to end his war with Iran

In an interview that aired Wednesday, Trump said the war in Iran was “very close to over.” He has declared a U.S. victory repeatedly since mere days after the war started — even as the reality on the ground has been far more complicated.

Klobuchar says it's clear the war is becoming more costly each day.

"He's asking taxpayers to shell out $200 billion for a war he promised he wouldn't start. And, you know, that $200 billion could go toward bringing down our debt. It could go toward extending the tax credits to help people pay for insurance, for their health insurance for seven years."

U.S. Central Command said it has achieved “maritime superiority” and that the blockade on Iranian ports had been “fully implemented” within 36 hours of its launch, according to a statement on social media late Monday.

Mediators’ efforts to extend a ceasefire between the United States and Iran have made progress as the warring sides are expected to return to the negotiations table, regional officials said. Mediators aim to extend the ceasefire, which is due to expire on April 22, for at least another two weeks to allow diplomacy another chance.

Klobuchar tells WCCO Radio's Vineeta Sawkar that Minnesota farmers are again paying the price, along with across the board tariffs, which she believes President Trump should "reexamine."

"I'm using a polite word. Reexamine the tariff policy and really pull it back because I think it's just - there's no way out of this when it comes to Ag for Minnesota and our whole world," Klobuchar explains. "(It) affects all rural areas, it affects companies big and small, especially the small companies who are like roadkill when it comes to this. So we need to stand up."

The war, now in its seventh week, has jolted markets and rattled the global economy as shipping has been cut off and airstrikes have torn through military and civilian infrastructure across the region. Oil prices fell on hopes for an end to fighting on Wednesday, and U.S. stocks surged close to records set in January.

Yet the future of the fragile ceasefire appeared increasingly uncertain as the U.S. pressed ahead with its blockade, which threatens to sever Iran from economic lifelines it has relied on since the war began nearly seven weeks ago.

“I think they want to make a deal very badly,” Trump said in an excerpt from an interview with Fox Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” scheduled to air Wednesday morning. He added: “I view it as very close to over.”