Trump declares US war in Iran effectively over, downplays escalation
President Trump said the conflict with Iran is nearing its end and that further military action is unnecessary, after discussions with Qatar’s prime minister.
President Donald Trump told reporters at a White House press briefing that the war with Iran is "effectively over" and that an escalation of U.S. military action is not required. He said Israel and Gulf allies are well protected and that the United States remains ready to act if needed, but sees "momentum toward the end of this conflict" and expects it to conclude "fairly soon."
The comments came after a meeting in the Oval Office with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who has urged the United States and regional partners not to resume fighting. Trump added that the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait prefer to maintain the current naval blockade rather than expand the conflict.
He reiterated that Iran will not be allowed to develop a nuclear weapon and said a change in circumstances could prompt the United States to resume full-scale operations, but he characterized such a scenario as "quite unlikely" at present.
The remarks follow the recent U.S. midterm elections, in which Republicans suffered losses in both chambers of Congress. Vice-president JD Vance later cited the Iran war as a factor in the defeat.