Trump sees 'positive momentum' on Iran after Qatar PM talks

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about advancing peace in the Iran conflict on Monday, stating that the war with the nation is militarily over, though he did not rule out the possibility of future strikes. Trump met with Qatar Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House, marking his first encounter with a foreign dignitary since his party's considerable setbacks in the recent midterm elections.

Trump later conveyed on Truth Social that the two leaders engaged in an excellent conversation, discussing various aspects of the Iranian Republic. In the lead-up to the midterm elections, there were concerns that US military action against Iran might resume, but Trump has consistently communicated a desire to avoid further conflict while maintaining the option for additional strikes.

Iran, he told reporters, is militarily over; we are merely maintaining the status quo. However, if it becomes necessary to reenter the situation, he warned, "We are locked and loaded, and ready to go."