Trump calls Iran war 'effectively over' after Qatari meeting
The president said the conflict is militarily finished but confirmed the naval blockade remains in place as indirect talks continue.
By Olivia Miller ·
President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the war with Iran is militarily finished, signaling a pause in the bombardment that has strained the global economy.
The president made an unannounced appearance in the White House briefing room following a meeting with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
“Iran militarily is effectively over,” Trump told reporters. “We’re just keeping it the status quo.”
He described the Iranian government as “decapitated” but stated his administration is seeking a long-term solution to limit the country’s nuclear program.
These remarks followed Trump’s consistent warnings that he might resume strikes after the U.S. midterm elections. Republicans lost control of both chambers of Congress to Democrats in the previous week’s vote.
Voters expressed dissatisfaction with the eight-month conflict, which has driven up fuel prices and affected nearly every sector of the global economy.
Trump previously threatened to escalate attacks if Iranian leaders did not agree to U.S. terms. In prior instances, he backed down at the last minute, often following pressure from Gulf allies to allow diplomacy more time.
Before speaking to the press, Trump posted on social media that Middle East allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, prefer the status quo. He later told reporters there is “positive momentum” and a “good chance” the war could end.
“They’re talking to us, and they’re talking very politely, And we’ll see what happens,” Trump said. He added that military action does not seem necessary, but the U.S. is “locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes.”
The president did not indicate that the thousands of U.S. troops positioned off the Iranian coast would withdraw. He confirmed the naval blockade designed to stop Iranian oil from reaching global markets would continue.
“We’re keeping it going. We have the greatest military blockade ever,” Trump said.
Two Middle East government officials familiar with the matter said Qatari officials presented proposals on Iran’s nuclear program last week. The White House declined to comment, though Trump had previously alluded to indirect talks with Tehran.”,
