Trump says Iran war ‘effectively over’, signals push for deal
US President Donald Trump has signalled a possible shift towards ending the Iran war, saying there is “positive momentum” towards a deal with Tehran and that further US military strikes are now “quite unlikely.”
Speaking to reporters at the White House on Monday after meeting Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Trump said Iran’s military capabilities had been severely weakened and that the conflict was, from a military standpoint, effectively over.
“Iran militarily is effectively over. We’re just keeping it the status quo,” Trump said, adding that his administration was still seeking a long-term arrangement to ensure Iran’s nuclear programme could no longer pose a threat.
In a subsequent post on Truth Social, Trump reiterated that Washington remained prepared to resume military action if necessary but indicated that diplomacy was increasingly likely to take precedence.
He said the United States remained “locked and loaded” but considered further strikes “quite unlikely,” noting that key Gulf allies preferred maintaining the current situation.
“We are seeing positive momentum toward an end to this conflict, and will ensure that America’s interests are at all times protected,” Trump said.
The remarks followed his meeting with the Qatari premier, during which discussions focused on the regional situation and efforts to advance US-Iran negotiations.
Al Thani also described his discussions with Trump and Vice President JD Vance as positive, saying the talks centred on finding a deal and restoring peace to the region.
“We discussed the situation in the region and ways to progress the US-Iran talks,” the Qatari premier said in a statement on X, expressing gratitude for the constructive discussions.
Trump’s latest comments suggest a growing preference for maintaining the current military posture while allowing diplomatic efforts more time.
However, he stopped short of announcing a withdrawal of US forces or an end to the naval blockade imposed on Iranian ports.
He said Washington would maintain what he described as the “greatest military blockade ever,” while thousands of US troops and naval assets remain deployed in waters surrounding Iran to restrict the country’s oil exports.
The president also suggested that Tehran had become more receptive to negotiations, saying Iranian representatives were communicating with Washington “very politely”.
He expressed confidence that there was a “good chance” the conflict could be brought to an end.
Qatari officials reportedly presented proposals concerning Iran’s nuclear programme last week, according to Middle Eastern government officials familiar with the discussions.
The White House has not publicly disclosed details of the proposals, although Trump has previously acknowledged that indirect negotiations with Tehran are under way.