In brief
Donald Trump announced optimism after meeting Qatar’s Prime Minister, noting Gulf allies back the naval blockade and Operation Iron Gate and argue Iran cannot weaponize nuclear technology. He warned U.S. forces stay ready for potential strikes, though such action is seen as unlikely. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said diplomatic progress remains slow and no breakthrough is imminent.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday that there was "positive momentum" toward ending the U.S.-Iran conflict after meeting Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani at the White House.
Trump wrote on Truth Social that Gulf states—Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait—support keeping the U.S. naval blockade of Iran in place, and they also back the newly launched Operation Iron Gate, which aims to cut off land‑based supply routes to the country.
All the countries cited by Trump say they would prefer the status quo and agree that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon. Trump called that position "non‑negotiable."
He warned the U.S. military is ready for any needed action, but he added the likelihood of renewed strikes on Iran is low.
Trump’s post included the following remarks:
"Should there be any change with respect to developments in the Middle East, the United States of America is 'locked and loaded' and ready to go," he wrote.
"At this point, however, that seems to be quite unlikely."
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, however, said Sunday that diplomatic efforts had made little progress and that a breakthrough was not imminent.
