Trump Declares War With Iran Effectively Over Amid Qatari Mediation

President Donald Trump announced on Monday that the military conflict in Iran is effectively over, claiming the Iranian military has been largely destroyed and the government decapitated. Following positive closed-door talks at the White House with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Trump indicated the U.S. intends to maintain the status quo rather than resume bombardments, though he emphasized that preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons remains a non-negotiable point.

Despite the optimistic rhetoric, military tensions persist. The U.S. continues daily strikes on Qeshm island and maintains a naval blockade, while Iran has downed U.S. aircraft. Secretary of State Marco Rubio argued that extraordinary economic pressure and the inability of Iran to sell energy have removed the need for major combat operations. However, Trump warned that the U.S. may still strike the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site to claim victory.

Iranian officials offered conflicting responses. President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed openness to negotiations based on respect and dignity. Conversely, Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei asserted that no negotiations are currently occurring, demanding the removal of the blockade and the unfreezing of assets as prerequisites. Military Chief of Staff Ali Abdollahi warned that Iran would respond without restrictions if attacked by the U.S. or Israel.

Qatar continues to mediate efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz to mitigate a global energy crisis. This diplomatic push follows a significant Republican defeat in U.S. midterm elections, which some officials, including Vice President JD Vance, linked to the ongoing war.