Trump: Iran War Resumption Unlikely if Deal Signed

US President Donald Trump said on November 8 that a resumption of war with Iran is "very unlikely" if negotiations progress, following weeks of threats to renew strikes. He stated the decision depends on whether Iran signs a "very strong agreement." Trump told CNN that renewed hostilities would be unnecessary if talks advance, while claiming Iran is "financially collapsing" with 301% inflation and that the US has "hurt them militarily." However, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said peace talks are paused while Tehran assesses the political implications of the Democrats' decisive midterm election victory. The conflict began February 28 when the US and Israel struck Iran, disrupting global trade through the Strait of Hormuz. A temporary agreement was signed in June, but Iran reclosed the strait in July after renewed US strikes on 140 military targets.