Trump says U.S. maintains "status quo" military posture against Iran, adds new carrier and blockade

President Donald Trump told reporters that the United States is keeping its "status quo" military posture toward Iran, emphasizing the continuation of the naval blockade and the deployment of an additional aircraft carrier that is "loaded to the gills" with new equipment. He said the blockade operates "by land and by sea" under the name Operation Iron Gate and that the United States remains "locked and loaded" for any potential action, though he added that a change in circumstances appears unlikely.

Trump said an "excellent conversation" with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani covered Iran and that Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait prefer the current stance. He reiterated that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon, describing that condition as "non-negotiable."

The president expressed hope for a diplomatic agreement with Tehran, stating, "> I hope we’re going to be able to make a deal with them."

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking in Paris, praised War Secretary Pete Hegseth and cited damage to Iran’s military capabilities, noting that the Iranian navy and air force are "deeply degraded" compared with a year ago.

Separately, oil markets reacted to the diplomatic talks, with Brent crude futures falling nearly 7% as investors priced in reduced risk of supply disruptions in the Middle East.