Trump says Iran war 'effectively over' militarily, further strikes unlikely

President Donald Trump said Monday that the war with Iran is "militarily effectively over," adding that renewed US strikes are "highly unlikely" while the US remains "locked and loaded" if circumstances change. Trump said the US is maintaining the "status quo" at the request of neighboring Gulf allies, who could still face Iranian aggression. He cited the naval blockade on Iranian ports as helping secure the region. Trump met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani on Monday to discuss peace negotiations, which have been mediated indirectly since the war began in February. The conflict followed Republican losses in the November 3 midterm elections, with Representative Thomas Massie moving to impeach Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.