WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump has said a resumption of large-scale military operations against Iran is “highly unlikely”, signalling a possible shift towards diplomacy after more than eight months of conflict between Washington, Israel and Tehran.
In an interview with CNN on Sunday, November 8, Trump said the United States was unlikely to launch fresh attacks if negotiations with Iran continued to make progress and Tehran agreed to what he described as a strong agreement.
“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump said, while maintaining that Washington remained prepared to use military force if necessary.
1. Trump declares war effectively over
Following a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House on Monday, November 9, Trump said the war was “militarily effectively over”.
He described the situation as a continuation of the existing status quo and said there was positive momentum towards ending the conflict.
2. Washington maintains military readiness
Despite the more optimistic language, Trump warned that American forces remained ready to act if circumstances changed.
He said military action did not appear necessary at the moment but refused to rule out further strikes. He also indicated that the United States had identified additional Iranian infrastructure targets.
3. Nuclear negotiations remain central
Washington wants an agreement that prevents Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran, meanwhile, is seeking relief from economic restrictions, an end to the US naval blockade and a resolution to tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Qatar continues to play an important mediation role, although a final agreement has not been reached.
Why this development matters internationally
- Oil prices: Reduced fears of renewed fighting could ease pressure on global crude oil prices.
- Global shipping: The Strait of Hormuz remains strategically important because a substantial share of global oil supplies passes through it.
- Middle East security: A diplomatic breakthrough could reduce the risk of further confrontation involving Iran, Israel and US military installations across the region.
- US politics: The war’s unpopularity has become a significant political issue following the Republican Party’s losses in the November 3 midterm elections.What to watch nextThe critical questions are whether Iran will accept Washington’s nuclear conditions, whether the US will lift its naval blockade and whether both sides can agree on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
What to watch next
The critical questions are whether Iran will accept Washington’s nuclear conditions, whether the US will lift its naval blockade and whether both sides can agree on reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump’s declaration that the war is effectively over does not mean a formal peace agreement has been signed. Military tensions and economic restrictions remain, and the possibility of renewed hostilities has not been eliminated.
