Trump Calls Resuming Iran Conflict Unlikely as Negotiations Continue

United States President Donald Trump said on Sunday that resuming military conflict with Iran is "highly improbable" as long as diplomatic negotiations continue to progress. Speaking in an interview with CNN, Trump emphasized that any decision to restart hostilities depends on whether Iranian authorities sign a solid agreement. He stated that the US has already struck the nation hard, leaving its air defense capabilities severely depleted.

Despite Trump's optimistic outlook regarding a diplomatic resolution, the head of Iranian diplomacy, Abbas Araghchi, offered a contrasting perspective. Araghchi stated on state television that negotiations between the two nations are currently stalled due to the shock caused by the recent US midterm election results. The November elections resulted in a tough defeat for the Republican Party, a setback that Trump previously acknowledged was influenced by the unpopularity of the war.

The ongoing conflict has heavily impacted global energy markets as Iran continues to block maritime transit through the Strait of Ormuz. This disruption has affected petroleum supplies from the Persian Gulf and driven up gasoline prices across the United States. Furthermore, Iran has struggled to sell crude oil internationally due to US sanctions, while billions of dollars in foreign bank assets remain frozen.

In the wake of the midterm elections, diplomatic activity in the Middle East has intensified. Qatar has continued its role as a mediator, with regional officials holding extensive talks to lower tensions. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated prior to attending a G7 ministerial meeting in Paris that a breakthrough does not appear imminent, describing Iranian demands as unacceptable and unrealistic.

Meanwhile, the International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed that recent verification activities have taken place at Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant, which was inspected a few days ago, according to Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Bagaei. Bagaei asserted that Tehran remains committed to its safeguards agreement under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, though he noted that wartime conditions hinder full cooperation. Calls from conservative lawmakers in Iran to withdraw from the treaty have emerged, though no official decision has been announced.

As diplomatic channels navigate the current stalemate, the US military maintains a strong posture in the region. Washington has deployed multiple aircraft carriers and established task forces aimed at increasing financial and strategic pressure on Tehran. Trump reiterated that American forces are fully prepared to act if necessary, noting that numerous infrastructure targets have been identified should hostilities flare up once again.