Trump Says Iran Strikes Unlikely, Warns of Escalation

President Donald Trump said renewed U.S. attacks on Iran are “highly unlikely” if negotiations produce a strong agreement on Tehran’s nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, though he said military action remains an option. He claimed U.S. strikes and economic pressure had badly weakened Iran and said Washington had identified infrastructure targets, including 38 bridges, while expressing reluctance to destroy them. Qatar is mediating ongoing diplomacy, but officials cautioned that a breakthrough is not imminent; Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Washington to accept Tehran’s proposal to end hostilities on all fronts or face escalation. The talks are unfolding amid heightened risks to regional shipping and security. Trump acknowledged that public opposition to the war and its economic effects contributed to Republicans’ midterm losses, adding to political pressure on him.