Trump threatens Iran with strikes on 38 bridges, rules out resuming attacks

US President Donald Trump has expressed skepticism about the resumption of conflict with Iran, stating it was highly unlikely during an interview with CNN. Trump, who has previously threatened to resume strikes, made this assertion ahead of a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who is also the country's foreign minister.

The meeting is scheduled to take place at the White House on Monday, marking Trump's first interaction with a foreign leader since a significant Republican defeat in the recent midterm elections.

Trump indicated that his decision to resume military action against Iran would depend on Iran's willingness to sign a "very strong agreement." He vowed to "hit them really hard" if necessary, emphasizing the intensity of the recent strikes. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, suggested that peace talks had been put on hold due to the political repercussions of the U.S. midterm elections.

Araghchi noted that the political shock following the electoral results in the United States has affected discussions, and it remains uncertain how long it will take for both sides to recover and resume negotiations.

Following the recent war, which began with US-Israeli strikes in late February, Trump acknowledged that it was partly responsible for the Republicans' electoral loss. Araghchi stated that the US president clearly recognizes that most Americans are unhappy with Israel's actions in the region, expressing that "Americans are evidently sick and tired of Israel bamboozling US administrations into Forever Wars."

The economic pressure Iran faces, including a sharp increase in inflation, has been cited by Trump as a potential factor in the eventual acceptance of the U.S.'s terms. Despite the ongoing blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and intermittent attacks, the fighting between the two countries has largely subsided.