Trump Claims Iran War 'Effectively Over' as Tehran Denies Planned Talks

U.S. President Donald Trump stated there is momentum towards ending the conflict with Iran, declaring that the country is "militarily, effectively over." This announcement followed his meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani at the White House. Trump added that further strikes were "quite unlikely" but that the U.S. remained "locked and loaded."

Highlights

• Trump claimed that Iran's military is "effectively over" and noted "positive momentum" towards ending the conflict.
• Qatar's Prime Minister indicated discussions on advancing negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
• Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, urged the U.S. to "stop manufacturing fake news about imaginary talks."
• Despite claims from Turkish intelligence about a meeting in Qatar between U.S. and Iranian officials, Iran's Foreign Minister denied any such plans.
• Brent crude futures fell to $92 a barrel on Monday amid expectations that the conflict could end.

Details

President Trump met with Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key mediator in the region, at the White House. Trump indicated that Gulf states, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, preferred the status quo over strikes. He also stated that all parties agreed Iran must not obtain a nuclear weapon, a point he considered non-negotiable, while reiterating that further strikes were "quite unlikely."

Meanwhile, Iranian officials expressed defiance against continued pressure from Washington. Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the U.S. "flails like a desperate gambler," telling Washington to "fold your hand. Stop manufacturing fake news about imaginary talks." Separately, media outlets, citing Turkey's intelligence service chief Ibrahim Kalin, reported that Qatar would host a meeting between U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Rezaei. However, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied any such meeting was being planned.

Why it matters

These developments could mark a significant turning point in the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Trump's claims about the war being "effectively over" and Qatar's mediation efforts suggest a potential de-escalation in the region. However, Iran's rejection of talks and accusations against the U.S. highlight the persistent challenges in finding a diplomatic resolution. The drop in oil prices reflects market expectations of a possible end to the conflict.