President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. has launched attacks on targets in Iran, announcing the military is prepared to act if necessary. Meanwhile, Iran affirmed its readiness to retaliate and warned that renewed war would benefit no party. Qatar continues its efforts to facilitate a temporary ceasefire agreement.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the U.S. military attacked targets in Iran amid escalating tensions and ongoing negotiations to end a prolonged conflict, while Iran warned that renewed fighting would benefit no one.
Trump told the British Financial Times that the U.S. appears to have achieved everything it wanted, affirming the military is fully prepared and armed should further operations be necessary, though there may be no reason to proceed.
Earlier, Trump told Fox News that the U.S. struck Iranian air defense installations on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz after construction was completed, describing the attack as limited in scale.
Reports of the attack came amid speculation that Trump might resume strikes on Iran following the U.S. midterm elections, as voters prepare to cast ballots and the results could affect Trump's political power.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, head of Iran's negotiating team, stated that Iran is ready to fight and respond, with fingers on the trigger. He said it is now up to the U.S. to prevent further war. Meanwhile, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Qasem Garibabadi affirmed Iran's legitimate right to self-defense after the attacks.
However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian emphasized that the government continues to seek a resolution through negotiations, warning that no one benefits if war erupts again. He noted that Iran's Supreme Leader recently granted the government expanded authority to negotiate previously off-limits issues.
Trump stated via Truth Social that Iran wants to reach an agreement soon, while Ghalibaf said Iran has taken a clear stance and now it depends on the U.S. to prevent war.
Qatar, serving as an intermediary in indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran, said there remains hope to reach a temporary agreement to end the war.
Majid Al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, revealed that both sides are considering proposals and approaches put forward by Qatar, affirming that Doha is working to advance a temporary agreement. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed on Monday that indirect talks are ongoing.
U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance stated that both he and Trump are hopeful for a deal, noting that negotiations have progressed and efforts continue to push for further progress.
Senior Iranian officials disclosed that Iran is prepared to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy transit route, within two days if the U.S. accepts longstanding Iranian demands.
In September, Iran proposed a seven-day plan to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, calling for an end to fighting on all fronts, unfreezing Iranian assets, lifting oil sanctions, and ending the blockade of Iranian ports.
Esmail Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the possibility of implementing the plan within two days signals Iran's sincerity in resolving the crisis.
Ahead of the midterm elections, Trump continued to threaten Iran, stating on Sunday that the U.S. might need to conduct heavy strikes at some point, mentioning one or two more targets to address, including a site called "Mount Pigeaux" in central Iran, suspected to be linked to the nuclear program despite Iranian denials.
Iranian officials repeatedly warned that if the U.S. resumes war, Iran will respond broadly.
.sourceAFP