November 8, 2026
By Stephen Iwuh | Dalena Reporters
US President Donald Trump has said he is highly unlikely to order another round of military strikes against Iran if ongoing diplomatic negotiations continue to make progress, offering a possible opening for de-escalation after months of conflict between Washington, Tehran and their regional allies.
Speaking to CNN in a telephone interview on Sunday, Trump indicated that the decision to resume military action would depend largely on whether Iran agrees to what he described as a very strong agreement.
“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump told CNN, adding that it was “highly unlikely” another attack would be necessary.
His comments come as diplomatic efforts involving Qatar and other regional governments continue, while military tensions remain high around the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The president's remarks suggest that Washington is prepared to give negotiations more time, although he made clear that military action remains an option if an agreement cannot be reached.
Trump Warns Iran That Military Options Remain Available
Although Trump expressed reluctance to restart large-scale attacks, he also warned that American forces have identified important infrastructure targets inside Iran in the event that hostilities resume.
During the interview, he specifically referred to 38 bridges that the United States could destroy within a very short period if he authorised another military operation.
Trump also mentioned power plants among the potential targets, indicating that American military planners have prepared options for striking critical infrastructure.
He said he did not want to destroy such facilities, arguing that rebuilding major infrastructure could take years.
The comments highlight the continued military pressure facing Tehran even as diplomatic discussions are underway.
Trump also claimed that Iran's military capabilities had been severely weakened by previous American and Israeli attacks. He said Iran retained only a small proportion of its previous missile and drone production capabilities.
Those assessments were presented by the president and have not been independently verified in full.
Three Aircraft Carriers Deployed in the Region
Trump also said American military forces remained ready to carry out further operations if required.
He told CNN that three US aircraft carriers were positioned in the region and described them as fully prepared for military action.
The deployment underlines Washington's ability to maintain significant military pressure while negotiations continue.
The president had previously suggested that he might consider renewed attacks after the US midterm elections. However, as of Sunday, there had been no indication of a new large-scale American military campaign against Iran.
Iran, meanwhile, has warned that any renewed US or Israeli attack would trigger a response against American and Israeli interests.
The possibility of another escalation therefore remains a major concern for governments across the Middle East and countries dependent on energy shipments through the Gulf.
Qatar Continues to Mediate US-Iran Negotiations
Qatar has played an important role in diplomatic efforts to bring the conflict to an end, maintaining communication with both Washington and Tehran.
The Qatari government recently rejected reports that negotiations had completely collapsed, saying that efforts to reach an agreement were continuing.
Trump also spoke with Qatar's Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, as part of discussions concerning de-escalation.
Iran has separately submitted a proposal concerning its nuclear programme to Washington through Qatar, according to a senior Iranian official who spoke to Reuters.
The proposal reportedly includes several conditions, among them sanctions relief, access to frozen Iranian assets and compensation for wartime damage.
Tehran has also made demands relating to the conflict and the restrictions affecting its access to international trade.
Washington, however, has insisted that nuclear issues must form part of any initial agreement.
The two sides therefore face difficult negotiations involving Iran's nuclear activities, economic sanctions, military security and the future of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Major Flashpoint
Despite the diplomatic activity, military incidents involving commercial shipping have continued around the Strait of Hormuz and the nearby Gulf of Oman.
The waterway is one of the world's most important energy transportation routes, carrying a substantial share of internationally traded oil and other commodities.
Iran has sought to use its influence over shipping in the region as leverage during the conflict, while the United States has imposed a naval blockade restricting maritime movements to and from Iranian ports.
On Saturday, the US military said American forces had fired at a commercial vessel in the Gulf of Oman, disabling it as it attempted to pass through the blockade.
Iran's Revolutionary Guards Navy separately reported that two oil tankers had caught fire after striking mines while attempting to use what it described as an unauthorised route through the Strait of Hormuz. Another vessel was also reported to have suffered an explosion and caught fire.
The reports could not be independently verified by Reuters, and the precise circumstances surrounding the incidents remained unclear.
The continuing maritime disruptions have raised concerns about the security of international shipping, energy supplies and the potential economic consequences of a prolonged confrontation.
Iran's Neighbours Intensify Diplomatic Efforts
Diplomatic activity has increased across the Middle East as regional governments attempt to prevent the conflict from spreading further.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has held discussions with several regional counterparts, including officials from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Pakistan, Kuwait, Jordan, Turkey and Qatar.
These contacts reflect growing concern among neighbouring countries about the economic and security consequences of continued fighting.
Countries in the Gulf have a particularly strong interest in restoring stability because disruptions to shipping routes, energy infrastructure and regional trade could affect their economies.
The conflict has also created uncertainty in international energy markets, with oil prices responding to changing expectations about the likelihood of further military escalation.
A Possible Diplomatic Opening, but No Final Agreement
Trump's latest comments provide a potentially important indication that his administration is willing to allow diplomatic negotiations to continue before considering another major military operation.
However, his statement does not mean that a ceasefire agreement or comprehensive peace settlement has been reached.
The United States continues to demand a strong agreement addressing Iran's nuclear programme, while Tehran is seeking sanctions relief, access to frozen assets and concessions relating to the wider conflict.
The two countries also remain divided over the Strait of Hormuz, maritime restrictions and the security arrangements that would govern the region after the fighting ends.
For now, Washington appears to be pursuing a combination of diplomatic engagement, economic pressure and continued military preparedness.
Whether those measures will produce an agreement remains uncertain.
The coming days could prove important as Qatar continues its mediation efforts and both governments consider whether the political and economic costs of continued confrontation outweigh the possibility of reaching a negotiated settlement.