- Trump made the comments less than a week after admitting that the war was one of the reasons Republicans lost the midterm elections.
Driving the news: In recent days, the president has considered three options: launch new strikes, continue to economically strangle the Iranian regime, or strike a deal that includes significant concessions to the Iranians.
- Trump indicated Monday that he was continuing with the strangulation strategy for the time being. That means maintaining the “status quo” – continuing the naval blockade, in addition to a new operation dubbed “Iron Gate” aimed at cutting off land routes that Iran uses to move advanced weapons and other technology.
- Trump declared the war “effectively over” militarily. But he added that he did not want to officially announce it until he was sure that U.S. allies in the region were safe.
- “We have great allies and we need to make sure they don’t get hurt. We want a long-term solution,” Trump said.
State of affairs: Trump made the comments hours after meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani over negotiations with Iran.
- “Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and others would prefer the status quo” to a resumption of war, Trump said.
- The Qatari prime minister also met separately with Vice President Vance, who has led negotiations on Iran on behalf of the administration in recent weeks. Al Thani wrote on X that he discussed with Trump ways to “advance negotiations between the United States and Iran.”
- “Grateful for the positive discussions aimed at reaching an agreement and bringing peace to the region,” he added.
- A diplomat briefed on the details of the meeting said Trump made it clear to Al Thani that he wanted a deal and would give negotiations a chance. But he also noted that if the Iranians did not take the negotiations seriously, he might backtrack, the diplomat said.
What he says: “Should the situation in the Middle East change, the United States of America is prepared to leave. At this point, however, that seems quite unlikely,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
- “We see positive momentum toward the end of this conflict and we will ensure that America’s interests are protected at all times. At the conclusion of this military engagement, the American people and the world will be much safer,” he added.
What to watch: Trump said Iran was “talking very politely” with the United States and noted there was “a good chance this could end,” apparently referring to the military conflict.
- “I hope we can reach a deal with them,” he added.
The other side: Iran’s Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei wrote on X shortly after Trump made his comments that the war “destroyed the American government.”
- He called Trump’s comments on negotiations with Iran “imaginary” and called on the United States to “surrender” to the conditions imposed by Iran to end the war.
What we’re looking at: Oil prices have fallen in recent weeks amid optimism that the fighting will end. Brent crude oil futures fell to $92 on Monday.
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