Trump and Iran Diverge on Prospects for Nuclear Deal

US President Donald Trump expressed optimism Monday about a potential agreement with Iran, citing "positive momentum" after meeting Qatar's prime minister, while Tehran dismissed the notion, calling it "imaginary discussions." Trump stated the US remains "ready to intervene" despite deeming a resumption of strikes "unlikely," and noted Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait prefer the status quo. He previously told CNN a new war was "very improbable" unless a strong deal fails. Iranian officials rejected Trump's claims, with security chief Mohsen Rezaei accusing Washington of spreading "false information" and referencing the Republican midterm defeat. Chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned the US is heading toward the "Middle Ages" unless it abandons its "Israel first" mentality. Unpublicized strikes reportedly hit Qeshm Island overnight.