. US President Donald Trump has claimed that the war with Iran is over militarily and there is no need to resume attacks immediately. However, Iran has made it clear that it is ready for military action if the US concerns about its nuclear program are not addressed.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the White House on Monday, Trump claimed that Iran’s military capabilities and leadership have been weakened. He said that he is looking for a long-term solution to the war, adding that regional allies including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait are also willing to maintain the current state of war.TAG_OPEN_div_28
Trump’s statement comes at a time when the American voters are increasingly dissatisfied with the eight-month-long war, fuel price hikes and the impact on the global economy. In the midterm elections, his Republican Party lost to the Democratic Party in both houses of Congress.TAG_OPEN_div_26
Trump said that talks with Iran are being done and there are positive signals, and that there is a good chance of ending the war. But he said that the US military is ready to take action at any time if necessary. He made it clear that the US naval blockade imposed to stop the supply of Iranian oil will continue.
Meanwhile, Qatari officials presented a proposal on Iran’s nuclear program last week, according to two Middle Eastern government officials familiar with the matter. Iran has been demanding the lifting of sanctions and economic sanctions on the port, the return of frozen assets, reparations for the war and an end to regional hostilities.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the next decision on the war was up to the president. He has been criticized for not seeking congressional authorization to start the war. Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky on Monday called for a vote to move forward with the impeachment proceedings against him.TAG_OPEN_div_20
Trump said there was little chance of another attack if a strong deal with Iran progressed. But he warned that Iran’s infrastructure, including 38 bridges, would be targeted if military action resumed.
Despite signaling the end of the war, the U.S. has continued its limited strikes on Iran. Last week, Iran’s air defense systems were targeted at least twice. A merchant ship was shot down on Saturday for allegedly trying to break a U.S. naval blockade, the U.S. military said.TAG_OPEN_div_16
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