Trump Says New Iran Attacks Are Quite Unlikely, but US Is Ready
Trump Signals Restraint
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said Iran was militarily over and negotiations had positive momentum. He described renewed US attacks as highly unlikely, but said the military was ready if circumstances shifted.
Trump has previously said the war was militarily over. In an interview aired Sunday on 60 Minutes, he said he saw no reason at present to escalate the conflict, after earlier describing US strikes on an Iranian island in the Strait of Hormuz as minor.
Talks Continue Through Mediators
Attempts to secure peace between Washington and Tehran have largely proceeded indirectly through mediators since the conflict began with joint US-Israeli strikes in February. Trump said the US naval blockade on Iranian ports was helping make the region more secure and said allies there must not be harmed.
War Debate Pressures Administration
Republican congressman Thomas Massie plans to force a House vote this week on impeaching Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. The move comes amid post-election recriminations over the US war in Iran.
Trump has supported Hegseth and called Massie’s effort a sham. Hegseth said he was not worried about the looming impeachment threats.
Oil Prices Move Lower
On Tuesday afternoon in Asia, Brent crude fell more than 1% to $91.50 (£52). US-traded oil was down 1.2% at $85.82.
Key points
- Trump said new US attacks on Iran were highly unlikely, but forces were ready if circumstances changed.
- He said negotiations had positive momentum after meeting Qatar’s prime minister.
- Peace efforts between Washington and Tehran have largely used mediators since February.
- Thomas Massie plans to force a House impeachment vote against Pete Hegseth this week.