US President Donald Trump has described the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran as "effectively over" following a meeting with Qatar's prime minister in Washington, DC, on Monday. However, he has indicated that Washington will maintain military and economic pressure on Tehran despite suggesting that the conflict has largely ended.
Speaking at an unexpected press conference after the meeting, Trump again claimed that the United States had destroyed Iran's military capabilities.
"Militarily, Iran is effectively finished," he said, adding that the current situation was being maintained at the request of neighbouring countries.
Trump's remarks appeared to reflect pressure from Washington's regional allies to bring the conflict to an end.
Before the press conference, Trump held a closed-door meeting with US Vice President JD Vance and Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.
Following the meeting, the Qatari prime minister said on social media that discussions had focused on the regional situation and ways to make progress in negotiations between the United States and Iran.
He expressed appreciation for what he described as constructive discussions on reaching an agreement and restoring peace to the region. US to Maintain Naval Blockade and Economic Pressure Despite describing the war as effectively over, Trump made it clear that Washington had no immediate plans to ease pressure on Iran.
He said the US naval blockade of Iranian ports would remain in place. He also announced a new initiative, named "Task Force Iron Gate", aimed at disrupting Iran's trade through land routes and the Caspian Sea.
Trump claimed that several Middle Eastern countries, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait, supported maintaining the current situation.
"They want us to stay where we are. That means continuing what is probably the biggest naval blockade in the history of our country, and perhaps in world history," he said.
Trump also indicated that the United States remained prepared to resume military operations against Iran if necessary.
