4 hours agoTrump signals Iran war could end soon after Qatar talks, warns US ‘locked and loaded’ if needed
President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States remains “locked and loaded” for potential strikes against Iran but suggested further military action may not be necessary as he sees an end to the conflict approaching.
“Iran, militarily, is effectively over. We’re just keeping it the status quo. And we’re doing that really at the behest of countries that are their neighbors,” Trump said.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had held an “excellent conversation” with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed, during which the two discussed Iran and the ongoing conflict.
“Much was discussed with respect to the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump said at the press briefing.
“Most importantly Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait and others would prefer the status quo that we remain as is,” he said, indicating that the U.S. naval blockade would remain in place, along with Operation Iron Gate.
Trump also reiterated that Iran must never obtain a nuclear weapon.
“I’ve agreed that Iran cannot have. And everybody’s agreeing Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
“And that’s a non-negotiable point,” he added. “They understand that. They accept that.”
Trump stressed that the United States remains prepared to act if circumstances in the Middle East change.
“Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is fully locked and loaded with, the best equipment ever made,” he said.
“And we don’t think there’s going to be any reason to use it. However, it’s going very well. You know, we haven’t lost a soldier in six months.”
“The military action doesn’t seem to be a very necessary thing, but we’re locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes.”
“We’re seeing momentum toward the end of this conflict. I think it’s going to be ending fairly soon,” Trump said.