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United States President Donald Trump has said that fresh American military attacks on Iran are highly unlikely if ongoing negotiations make progress, signalling a possible shift towards diplomacy after months of conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Trump made the remarks during a telephone interview with CNN on Sunday, November 8, 2026. He said the possibility of further military action would depend largely on whether Iran agreed to a strong deal addressing Washington’s concerns.
The US president’s comments come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to end the conflict, which has disrupted international shipping, affected energy supplies and increased pressure on the global economy.
According to a report by Reuters, Trump said he was unlikely to order another round of attacks if negotiations continued to advance. He also indicated that military action might not be necessary if both countries reached an agreement.
“It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,” Trump said, according to CNN. He added that the prospect of another attack was highly unlikely to become necessary.
However, his statement did not amount to an unconditional commitment to avoid further military action. Trump maintained that the United States could still strike Iran if he considered it necessary, particularly if negotiations failed to produce an agreement.
The comments are significant because Trump had previously threatened to resume major military operations against Iran after the November 3 US midterm elections. His latest position suggests that Washington is giving diplomatic efforts more time while maintaining pressure on Tehran.Reuters+2
The negotiations are centred on several major disagreements, particularly Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway through which a substantial share of the world’s oil shipments passes.
Washington has repeatedly insisted that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. The US government has also demanded verifiable guarantees that Tehran will not rebuild its nuclear capabilities following earlier military strikes.
Iran, however, has its own conditions for ending the conflict. Tehran has called for sanctions relief, the release of frozen assets and an end to military and economic pressure. It has also rejected demands that would require it to abandon its nuclear rights, including uranium enrichment.
These competing positions have made negotiations difficult, despite diplomatic contacts involving regional countries.
Qatar has played an important role in facilitating communication between the two sides. Other countries, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Pakistan, Kuwait, Jordan and Turkey, have also been involved in diplomatic discussions or regional consultations aimed at reducing tensions.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi recently held discussions with counterparts from several countries in the region. Qatar has also confirmed diplomatic engagement with Washington and Tehran as efforts continue to prevent another major escalation.
Trump’s latest remarks followed these diplomatic contacts, although neither Washington nor Tehran has announced a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict.ABC17NEWS+2
The US president also revealed that American forces had identified potential infrastructure targets inside Iran in the event that military operations resumed. He specifically referred to 38 bridges that he claimed could be destroyed within a short period.
The warning highlights the continued military threat facing Iran despite Trump’s preference for a negotiated settlement. It also shows that the United States has not ruled out further attacks if diplomatic efforts fail.
The comments came as tensions continued around the Strait of Hormuz, where reports of attacks and incidents involving commercial vessels raised fresh concerns about maritime security.
Iran said two oil tankers had struck mines in the waterway and another vessel had caught fire. The United States, meanwhile, said it had disabled a commercial vessel attempting to breach its blockade.
The situation remains important to international energy markets because the Strait of Hormuz is a major route for oil and other commodities. Any prolonged disruption could affect shipping costs, energy supplies and prices in countries that depend heavily on imported petroleum products.
For Nigeria and other oil-producing countries, developments in the Gulf remain important because changes in international crude prices can influence government revenue, foreign exchange earnings and domestic fuel costs. However, higher global oil prices do not automatically translate into lower petrol prices or immediate economic benefits for consumers.Reuters+2
Trump’s willingness to continue negotiations also comes against the background of growing domestic pressure over the cost and political consequences of the conflict.
The war has contributed to higher energy prices in the United States, creating concerns among voters over the cost of living. The economic impact became a major issue during the November 3 midterm elections, in which Trump’s Republican Party suffered significant losses.
Trump acknowledged that the conflict had contributed to the party’s poor electoral performance. Vice President JD Vance also identified the war as a factor in the Republicans’ defeat.
The political consequences have added pressure on the administration to find a way to end the conflict without committing the United States to another prolonged military campaign.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that diplomacy remains possible, although he has cautioned that a breakthrough is not imminent because of the differences between the two governments.
Trump has continued to insist that any agreement must prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. Tehran, on the other hand, wants sanctions and other restrictions addressed as part of a settlement.Reuters+2
Despite Trump’s latest comments, the possibility of renewed fighting has not disappeared. The United States has maintained its military pressure, while Iran has warned that it would respond to further attacks against its territory.
The two countries also remain divided over the future of the Strait of Hormuz, nuclear restrictions and the conditions required to end the conflict. These issues will determine whether the current diplomatic contacts can produce a lasting settlement.
For now, Trump’s statement that another attack is highly unlikely offers a signal that Washington may be prepared to prioritise negotiations if Iran accepts its conditions. However, his warning about potential targets shows that the military option remains available.
The next major development will depend on whether the United States and Iran can agree on terms that address their competing security, nuclear and economic demands. Until a formal agreement is reached, the region remains exposed to further tension, with consequences for international shipping and energy markets.
