Trump signals ‘positive momentum’ with Iran after meeting Qatari PM

US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that military action against Iran was not deemed necessary at present, citing optimism that the conflict might conclude soon while cautions that American forces remained prepared to resume major operations should circumstances alter. Speaking at a spontaneous White House press conference alongside UFC president Dana White, Trump emphasized that the US was enforcing military pressure on Tehran, partly due to requests from neighboring nations who preferred to avoid further escalation.Trump affirmed that Israel and the Middle East were safeguarded from Iranian threats and that progress was being made towards ending the conflict.

He argued that the military campaign had already accomplished its primary goals and Washington was now concentrating on securing a durable outcome. Trump explained that Iran was militarily defeated, and the US was maintaining the status quo at the behest of its regional allies.Trump clarified why he would not declare the conflict over, stating that neighboring countries needed to be assured their safety.

He noted that Iran was now significantly safer than six months prior due to Iran's weakened military and economy. The president emphasized his commitment to preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, despite acknowledging short-term political and economic consequences.Trump reported that Iran was engaging in polite diplomatic conversations with the US, suggesting a possible resolution to the conflict.

He described Iran as a country facing severe economic and military challenges, with a 301% inflation rate and struggling to pay its military personnel. Trump claimed that 158 Iranian vessels were submerged and 268 aircraft were scattered across runways, asserting that 85% of Iran's military had been destroyed.Trump dismissed a reporter's inquiry about his repeated predictions of the war's swift conclusion, reiterating his administration's focus on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

He defended the current strategy involving the naval blockade and the recently launched Task Force Iron Gate, which aims to restrict Iranian supply routes over land and sea.Trump highlighted the scale of American military preparations, stating that an additional aircraft carrier had arrived in the region and was fully equipped. He claimed that three aircraft carriers were deployed or arriving in the Middle East.

The president also announced increased production of military equipment, including Patriot missile defense systems, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) systems.