Trump says Iran war is effectively over, blockade to continue

President Donald Trump said Monday that the war with Iran was “militarily effectively over” and that the United States would maintain its current posture rather than resume major strikes for now. He spoke after meeting at the White House with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose government is mediating between Washington and Tehran.

Trump said military action did not appear necessary at present, while warning that U.S. forces remained ready to act if circumstances changed. He said the status quo would continue, including the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. He gave no indication that American forces would leave the region.

The president described negotiations as having positive momentum and said there was a good chance the conflict could end. His assessment was not a declaration of a ceasefire or a peace agreement. U.S. military strikes have continued, according to reports, and Trump said the United States had identified infrastructure targets, including 38 bridges, for possible strikes if military action resumed.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Ibrahim bin Sultan Al Hashmi said Tuesday that mediation efforts were continuing and both...