US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday, November 8, 2026, that it is highly unlikely that the United States will conduct new military strikes on Iran as long as negotiations are making progress. In a phone interview with CNN, Trump claimed that the US had already delivered a strong blow to Iran and that further military action is unlikely to be necessary. He emphasized that the need for military action depends on whether Iran agrees to a strong deal.

Trump referred to Iran's nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, stating that the outcome depends on whether Iran signs a very strong agreement. The President also mentioned that the US has identified potential targets for infrastructure in Iran, including power plants and bridges. He claimed that the US could destroy 38 bridges in Iran within an hour. However, Trump reiterated that he believes an agreement can be reached.

The comments from Trump come after more than eight months of US and Israeli strikes on Iran. The President has sent mixed signals about his willingness to end the conflict. Washington and Tehran remain at an impasse, with little progress in diplomatic efforts. Trump's latest statements have sparked hope for a potential easing of tensions between the two nations.

Iranian officials have expressed that negotiations alone may not be enough to end the conflict. A senior Iranian official stated on November 7, 2026, that negotiations are necessary but not sufficient to resolve the conflict. This sentiment was echoed by Iranian media reports of explosions heard on the island of Qeshm in the Strait of Hormuz on November 7.

Despite the tensions, Trump emphasized that the US is willing to engage in diplomacy. He stated that Iran wants to reach an agreement and that the US is open to negotiations. However, no significant breakthroughs have been reported in recent diplomatic efforts. The US and Iran have been engaged in indirect talks, but a lasting resolution remains elusive.

The conflict between the US and Iran has had significant regional implications. The situation in Gaza has also been affected, with reports of five Palestinians being killed in a landslide on November 8, 2026. The Iranian nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz remain key points of contention between the US and Iran.

The US and Iran have been engaged in a delicate dance of diplomacy and military posturing. While Trump's comments suggest a willingness to engage in negotiations, the situation remains volatile. The international community remains cautious, awaiting a significant breakthrough in diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the two nations.

Key points

  • Trump says new military strikes on Iran are unlikely if negotiations make progress.
  • The US and Iran have identified potential targets for infrastructure, including power plants and bridges.
  • Diplomatic efforts between the US and Iran have made little progress, despite Trump's comments suggesting a willingness to engage in negotiations.

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SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.