Trump: Renewed U.S. Strikes on Iran ‘Highly Unlikely’ if Talks Progress
Trump said renewed U.S. strikes on Iran are highly unlikely if a strong agreement is reached, while keeping American forces ready for action if needed. He credited Iranian military setbacks, U.S. sanctions, and a naval blockade with mounting pressure on Tehran to settle diplomatically. He signaled willingness to escalate again if terms were unmet and noted ongoing monitoring of key sites. Diplomacy features indirect talks led by Vice President Vance, with intermediaries in Qatar and Pakistan, amid warnings from Tehran and skepticism from Secretary of State Rubio. The narrative frames a race to seal a nuclear agreement before Washington considers new military steps.
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Trump argued that a strong negotiated agreement would reduce the need for new military action, but he emphasized that he reserves the option to act if Iran does not comply.
He cited a combination of Iranian losses, severe sanctions, and a naval blockade as driving Tehran toward accepting terms, framing diplomacy as the path to avoid renewed conflict.
The president highlighted the readiness of U.S. forces for another offensive and noted the arrival of a third aircraft carrier in the region, underscoring the military option remains on the table.
He claimed U.S. strikes have degraded Iran’s air defenses and its ability to produce missiles and drones, with production levels fallen to roughly 10 percent for missiles and 15 percent for drones since earlier attacks.
Trump described a multi-pronged pressure campaign, including Task Force Iron Gate targeting land routes, to choke off remaining Iranian supply lines and push for an agreement.
Interagency diplomacy has focused on indirect talks via regional intermediaries, with Vice President JD Vance playing a leading role and Qatar and Pakistan serving as conduits, while Tehran demands relief from sanctions and an end to hostilities.
Iran’s foreign minister and other officials warned of military retaliation if Washington escalates, calling for the White House to meet Tehran’s conditions and signaling that negotiations remain unsettled ahead of upcoming meetings.