Trump Iran War ‘Effectively Over’ US Strikes Unlikely
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has said the war involving Iran is “militarily effectively over“, signalling a possible de-escalation as diplomatic efforts to end the conflict gain momentum,BBC reported.
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday, Trump said negotiations were showing positive signs and suggested that renewed American military strikes against Iran were highly unlikely.
“We’re just keeping it the status quo,” Trump said, adding that the United States was maintaining its current position at the request of neighbouring countries.
However, he warned that American forces remained prepared to respond if the situation changed.
“We’re locked and loaded,” the president said, indicating that Washington had not ruled out further military action.
Oil Prices Down
Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday, extending losses from the previous day, after US President Donald Trump said US military action against Iran is not necessary “at this point”, easing concerns about prolonged disruptions to Middle East supply.
Brent crude futures fell 24 cents, or 0.23%, to $92.33 a barrel by 0102 GMT, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell 35 cents, or 0.40%, to $86.50 a barrel.
Brent settled down 5.85% in the previous session after sliding to its lowest since August 31.
Trump Signals Progress in Iran Peace Negotiations
Trump’s latest remarks come amid continuing diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement between Washington and Tehran.
The US president said he was reluctant to formally declare an end to the conflict because some Gulf allies could still face potential Iranian attacks. He also suggested that the US naval blockade on Iranian ports was helping maintain regional security.
Iranian officials, meanwhile, have repeatedly expressed doubts about Trump’s previous statements regarding the possibility of resolving the conflict.
Qatar Plays Role in Diplomatic Efforts
Trump’s comments followed a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday.
The US president described their discussion as an “excellent conversation”, focusing on negotiations and efforts to end the regional conflict.
In a statement posted on X, the Qatari prime minister said he had held positive discussions with Trump and US Vice-President JD Vance about reaching an agreement and restoring peace to the region.
Qatar, alongside Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, has been involved in regional diplomatic efforts as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.
Gulf Countries Face Security Concerns
Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have faced Iranian strikes during the conflict, while threats of further attacks have disrupted air travel and heightened security concerns across the Middle East.
Efforts to broker peace between the United States and Iran have largely taken place through intermediaries since the conflict began with joint US-Israeli strikes in February.
The continuing uncertainty has raised concerns about regional stability, maritime security and the potential impact on international energy markets.
US Midterm Election Results Add Pressure on Trump
Trump’s latest comments also come after significant political setbacks for Republicans in the US midterm elections held on 3 November.
The party lost control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate, increasing political pressure on the administration over its handling of the Iran conflict.
In an interview with CBS programme 60 Minutes broadcast on Sunday, Trump said he currently saw “any reason” to escalate the war.
Before the elections, he had also described US military operations against an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz as “minor strikes”.
Congressman Seeks Impeachment of Defence Secretary
The political fallout from the Iran war has also intensified within the Republican Party.
Republican Congressman Thomas Massie launched an effort on Monday to seek a House of Representatives vote on impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over the administration’s handling of the conflict.
Trump has defended Hegseth, who said he was not worried about the impeachment threat and described Massie’s initiative as a “sham”.
Despite the growing political pressure, Trump has continued to signal that Washington prefers to avoid further escalation.
For now, the prospect of renewed US military strikes appears less likely, although the situation remains dependent on diplomatic progress and security developments across the Middle East.
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