In brief
Donald Trump, speaking after a White House meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister, said there is "positive momentum" toward ending the U.S.-Iran conflict and highlighted joint support from Gulf states for the naval blockade and Operation Iron Gate. He reiterated that the United States remains ready for military action, though it is unlikely, and warned Iran cannot acquire a nuclear weapon. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a contrasting view, noting limited diplomatic progress.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday that he was hearing “positive momentum” toward ending the U.S.-Iran conflict after meeting Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the White House, according to Xinhua news agency.
Trump posted on his Truth Social account that Gulf states—including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Kuwait—support maintaining the U.S. naval blockade of Iran and the newly launched Operation Iron Gate, aimed at restricting Iran’s land‑based supply routes.
He stressed that Iran “cannot have a nuclear weapon,” labeling the claim as “non‑negotiable” and noting that Iran insists its nuclear program is peaceful.
"Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is ‘locked and loaded’ and ready to go. At this point, however, that seems to be quite unlikely."
"We are seeing positive momentum toward an end to this conflict," Trump wrote.
Trump also warned that U.S. forces remain prepared for possible military strikes, although the likelihood of renewed action against Iran is considered low.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, speaking on Sunday, countered Trump’s optimism, saying that diplomatic efforts between the U.S. and Gulf allies “have made little progress” and a breakthrough was not imminent.
The statements reflect diverging views within the U.S. administration and signal ongoing dialogue with Gulf partners about the broader U.S.-Iran dispute.
