Trump says Iran war is militarily over, unlikely further US strikes

President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that the war with Iran is "effectively over" on the military front and that the United States is maintaining a "status quo" in the region. He added that renewed U.S. attacks on Iran are "highly unlikely," but the U.S. remains "locked and loaded" should circumstances shift.

"We have some great allies there and we have to make sure they're not hurt," Trump said, referring to Gulf partners that could still face Iranian aggression.

The president hosted Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani in the Oval Office, describing their discussion as "excellent" and focused on negotiations to end the conflict. The Qatari leader later posted on X that he held "positive discussions" with Trump and Vice-President JD Vance about reaching a peace deal.

Efforts to broker a settlement have largely been conducted through regional mediators since the war began after joint U.S.–Israeli strikes in February. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have been among the Gulf allies targeted by Iranian strikes, which have also disrupted regional air travel.

Trump previously indicated a de-escalation stance after the recent midterm elections, which senior officials, including Vice-President Vance, linked to the Iran war. In a recent interview on "60 Minutes," he said he sees no reason to expand the conflict.

Republican Congressman Thomas Massie has called for an impeachment vote against Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth over the war, a move the president defended as a "sham." Democrats have signaled willingness to pursue impeachment once they regain control of both chambers of Congress.