Trump: Iran War Is Over, But Naval Blockade Stays

President Donald Trump declared on Monday that the war with Iran has effectively ended from a military standpoint, marking a sharp shift in tone after weeks of threats to resume heavy bombing.

Speaking to reporters in the White House press room following a surprise meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Trump stated, "Iran is, militarily, in a state of practical completion. We are just maintaining the status quo." He added that Iran had been "decapitated" but that the administration still seeks a long-term solution to neutralize its nuclear program.

The president offered his clearest signal yet that he intends to step back from the conflict following the midterm elections last week, where the Republican Party lost control of both chambers of Congress to the Democrats. The election outcome reflected widespread voter frustration over the war, which the United States and Israel launched eight months ago and which has driven up global fuel prices.

Trump described the current diplomatic situation as having a "positive impulse," noting that Iranian leaders are communicating "very politely." He said, "Military action does not seem to be very necessary, but we are ready and prepared, ready to act for any reason that changes." However, he did not indicate any immediate reduction in the thousands of U.S. troops currently deployed in the waters off Iran to enforce a naval blockade.

The blockade remains in place, which Trump called "the largest military blockade in history." It aims to stop Iranian oil from reaching the world market. While the White House declined to comment on specific details, Trump noted earlier in the week that indirect talks with Tehran are ongoing. Qatar presented proposals regarding Iran's nuclear program last week, according to two Middle Eastern government officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Teheran continues to demand several concessions before entering formal talks, including ending the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports, lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, providing war damage compensation, and halting regional hostilities, including Israeli operations in Lebanon. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who has faced criticism for the conflict's execution, said on Monday that the next steps depend on Trump. Hegseth suggested the U.S. could tell Iran, "Look, we are finished, and we are going to watch your nuclear material. You'd better not move it."

Tensions persisted despite Trump's remarks. The U.S. military conducted limited strikes on Iranian air defense systems at least twice in the last week and disabled a commercial ship on Saturday that attempted to break the blockade. Trump also told CNN on Sunday that if Iran does not sign a "solid deal," it is "very unlikely" that the U.S. would avoid resuming attacks. He revealed that the U.S. has identified 38 infrastructure targets, including bridges, that it would strike if military actions resume. Meanwhile, Republican Representative Thomas Massie began a process on Monday to force a vote to impeach Hegseth, largely over his role in executing the war.