Trump Calls New Iran Strikes “Highly Unlikely” If Nuclear and Hormuz Talks Advance

President Donald Trump said in a phone interview with CNN on Sunday that a renewed large-scale offensive against Iran is “highly unlikely” if negotiations produce a “very strong agreement” on the country’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump said. “The answer is, highly unlikely it’s going to be necessary.” He repeated the assessment multiple times, describing Iran as a “failing nation” facing severe economic pressure, including reported high inflation, and stating that prior U.S. strikes had already inflicted significant damage.

Trump said the United States remains prepared, noting three aircraft carriers in the region that are “fully locked and loaded.” He added that if strikes resume, the U.S. has identified infrastructure targets including 38 bridges “that we can knock down in literally one hour,” while expressing reluctance to destroy bridges because of the long rebuilding time.

Later Sunday, Trump posted on Truth Social that “Task Force Iron Gate is in full force and effect in the Islamic Republic of Iran,” describing it as complementary to “history’s greatest Naval Blockade.” The task force, announced by U.S. Central Command on Saturday and previously reported, is intended to restrict Iranian movement of advanced weapons, dual-use technologies, and sanctioned materials across land borders and the Caspian Sea.

The comments follow the November 3 midterms, in which Trump and Vice President JD Vance have acknowledged the unpopularity of the Iran war and elevated gas prices as factors in Republican losses. Trump has maintained that he would still have launched the operation to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Qatar has continued mediation efforts.