Trump says resumption of war with Iran ‘highly unlikely’

US President Donald Trump expressed doubt on Sunday about a resumption of conflict with Iran, stating to CNN that it was highly unlikely unless negotiations progressed. Recent reports have suggested that hostilities could flare up following the US midterm elections this week. Trump declared he would "hit them really hard" if necessary, but emphasized that a resumption of hostilities would depend on Iran's willingness to sign a robust agreement.

Prior to the interview, Trump acknowledged the unpopular war with Iran had contributed to his Republican Party's defeat in the recent midterm elections.

In the same CNN interview, Trump suggested that Iran's dire economic situation would eventually force its leaders to accept peace terms on US conditions. He claimed that Iran is experiencing "301% inflation" and is "withering away financially." Trump also mentioned that the US has conducted military strikes against Iran and is prepared to "finish them off."

However, on the same day, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi suggested that peace talks had been temporarily paused due to the shock caused by the US Democratic Party's landslide victory. Araghchi stated that for a few days, there has been no more travel by mediators as the political fallout of the US election results was being assessed.

He noted that the situation will depend on how long it takes for the US to digest the election results before determining how to move forward with negotiations. Iran continues to partially block traffic in the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has affected oil supplies from the Gulf and contributed to the rise in gasoline prices in the United States, adding to the unpopularity of the war.