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US President Donald Trump said there was momentum toward ending the war with Iran, as he declared that the country "militarily is effectively over," but kept open the possibility of new strikes.
Trump met at the White House with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani -- a key mediator in the Iran war.
Trump later posted on Truth Social that the two leaders had "an excellent conversation" and that "much was discussed with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran."
"Iran, militarily, is effectively over. We're just keeping it the status quo," AFP quoted Trump as saying at a press briefing. "But if we do have to go back in, we are locked and loaded, and ready to go."
In his social post on Monday, Trump said that he believed further strikes were "quite unlikely" given that key US allies in the Gulf "would prefer the status quo."
“I had an excellent conversation with Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, wherein much was discussed with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran. Most importantly, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and others, would prefer the status quo, in other words, a continuation of the Greatest Naval Blockade in History, and the new Operation Iron Gate — Therefore, Land and Sea. All have agreed that Iran cannot have a Nuclear Weapon — That is non-negotiable! Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is “locked and loaded” and ready to go. At this point, however, that seems to be quite unlikely. Israel, and the entire Middle East, are protected from Iranian danger and threats. We are seeing positive momentum toward an end to this Conflict, and will ensure that America’s interests are at all times protected. At the conclusion of this Military Engagement, the American People, and the World, will be far safer and more secure,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.