Trump signals Iran war could end soon after Qatar talks, warns US is ‘locked and loaded’ if necessary
President Donald Trump said Monday that the United States remains “locked and loaded” for possible strikes against Iran, but suggested additional military action may not be necessary as he sees an end to the conflict approaching.
“Iran, militarily, is effectively finished. We’re just maintaining the status quo. And we’re really doing it at the request of the countries that are their neighbors,” Trump said.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had a “great conversation” with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed, during which the two men discussed Iran and the ongoing conflict.
“There has been a lot of discussion about the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump said during the press briefing.
“Most importantly, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait and others would prefer the status quo, which is for us to remain as is,” he said, indicating that the US naval blockade would remain in place, as well as Operation Iron Gate.
Trump also reiterated that Iran should never acquire nuclear weapons.
“I agreed that Iran couldn’t have it. And everyone agrees that Iran will never have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.
“And that’s a non-negotiable point,” he added. “They understand that. They accept it.”
Trump stressed that the United States remains ready to act if the situation in the Middle East changes.
“If there was a change in the situation in the Middle East, the United States of America would be fully locked down and equipped with the best equipment ever made,” he said.
“And we don’t think there will be any reason to use it. However, it’s going very well. You know, we haven’t lost a soldier in six months.”
“Military action doesn’t seem like a very necessary thing, but we are locked and loaded, ready to go for any reason that changes.”
“We’re seeing momentum toward the end of this conflict. I think it’s going to end pretty soon,” Trump said.
Gn headline
