Trump Says Iran Conflict Is Militarily Effectively Over After Meeting Qatari PM, Calls Further Strikes Unlikely

President Donald Trump declared that Iran is militarily "effectively over" and said he sees "positive momentum" toward ending the conflict, speaking to reporters after an impromptu briefing following his meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani. Trump described the conversation as "excellent" and said the two leaders discussed progress in Iran negotiations, with Vice President Vance also participating in the talks. The Qatari PM confirmed the meeting was "positive."

Trump said Gulf states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait all prefer the continuation of what he called "the greatest naval blockade in history" and the land-and-sea operation known as Operation Iron Gate, rather than a fresh escalation. He added that resumption of US airstrikes appears "quite unlikely" at this point, while stressing the US remains "locked and loaded" and ready to act if necessary. All parties, he said, agree Iran cannot be permitted to obtain a nuclear weapon.

Trump also told Reuters that Iran is "speaking to us very politely" and that there is a chance to bring the conflict to an end, adding that Israel and the broader Middle East are protected from Iranian threats. At least one skeptical analyst cautioned that similar conciliatory language preceded the launch of Operation Eic Fury on February 28th, and noted that the US continues to move military assets into the region. An Iranian-linked source disputed reports of active renegotiation, stating that nothing new would occur until Iran's seven conditions are met.