Trump suspends Iran bombings but keeps naval blockade after Gulf pressure

US President Donald Trump announced Monday he would suspend further bombings against Iran, yielding to requests from six Gulf countries including Qatar and Saudi Arabia after more than eight months of conflict. Trump said the US would maintain its naval blockade of Iran, stating American forces were "ready for combat" but saw no reason to use their equipment. He cited requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait against new offensives, speaking after meeting Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani. The announcement follows Trump's midterm election losses last week, which he partly attributed to the war. Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz since February and targeted tankers, while Qatari-mediated peace efforts continue, though Tehran demands sanctions relief and blockade lifting as conditions.