At 16:15 UTC, Xinhua reported that President Trump said the United States had no immediate plans to strike Iran, indicating he was satisfied with the current state of the confrontation. Trump described the situation as “brilliant” and said, "We seem to be getting everything we want," during an interview with the Financial Times on Tuesday. Asked about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hints of a possible attack later that week, Trump replied, "I’m ready, we’re ready. We’re locked and loaded if we need to go, but there may be no reason for it."
Trump confirmed that he was pursuing indirect talks with Iran focused on its enriched uranium stockpile, while also stating he was "in no rush" to decide whether to resume military action. In a phone interview with Axios on Monday, he added, "One way or the other, we will do something, but there is no rush. We crippled them financially." The Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. forces had attacked targets on Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, describing the strikes as defensive measures aimed at protecting American military assets in the Middle East. U.S. officials said the attacks were part of a series of limited strikes carried out secretly in recent weeks while the administration touted the possibility of a diplomatic deal.
The mid‑term elections held on Tuesday have been widely seen as a turning point in Trump’s decision on whether to launch a major bombing campaign against Iran, according to Axios. The White House remains deadlocked over the optimal strategy, with pressure from Israel and divided advisors weighing heavily on the president’s next move. The situation remains fluid, and the U.S. is poised to adjust its approach as diplomatic and military talks evolve.
