US Donald Trump declared the military conflict with Iran effectively over at the White House on Monday, November 10, 2026, following discussions with Qatari officials.
The president stated that the United States is maintaining the current status quo, a move he attributed to pressure from neighboring countries. While he said large-scale military strikes are highly unlikely if diplomatic progress continues, he said the US military is prepared to intervene if necessary.
During a press appearance in the James Brady Press Room, the president noted that the conflict is practically finished militarily and that Iran has been “decapitated.”
Regional allies prefer stability over further escalation
Following a meeting with the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Trump indicated that regional allies prefer stability over further escalation. Spiegel reported that the president noted that Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait all favor the current situation. Trump had previously shared on Truth Social that these nations would prefer to maintain the status quo.
Despite the shift in rhetoric regarding active combat, the US is not lifting its economic and maritime restrictions.
Rubio reports no progress on Iranian demands
While the White House expressed hope for a peace agreement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio offered a more cautious assessment. Speaking in Florida, Rubio told Berliner Zeitung that he could report no progress in negotiations, characterizing Iranian demands as absurd, ridiculous and completely detached from reality.
Tehran has outlined seven specific conditions that must be met before further talks can proceed. As reported by Tachles, these requirements include:
- The lifting of the US naval blockade
- The removal of economic sanctions
- The unfreezing of Iranian assets
- The payment of war reparations
- An end to hostilities on all fronts, including Lebanon, the Gaza Strip, and Yemen
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian further described the current situation as neither war nor peace, noting that while the country is open to negotiations, it will not be pressured. Iranian authorities reported new attacks, including an assault on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormus on the night leading into Monday, though the US military has not confirmed this.
Internal US government disagreements
The shift toward de-escalation has revealed divisions within the US administration. While President Trump suggested the conflict is practically finished militarily, other officials maintain a harder line.
Secretary Rubio defended the initial decision to engage in the conflict, telling Jüdische Allgemeine that doing the right thing is not always popular
. He emphasized that the President identified a long-standing, real threat to US security and took action to combat it.
Internal tensions also exist regarding leadership and strategy.
Military activity continues near the Strait of Hormus
Despite the president’s comments, military activity in the region continues. IDNFinancials noted that tensions remain high following reports of attacks on vessels near the Strait of Hormus.
Proposals address nuclear program and Strait of Hormus
Negotiations are currently centered on a proposal involving Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormus. Watson reported that while Qatar has submitted proposals, a breakthrough remains elusive due to the gap between Washington’s and Tehran’s positions. A proposal involving Pakistan and Qatar suggests Iran could enrich uranium on its own territory up to 3.67%.
The US has reportedly offered to unfreeze between 6 and 9 billion in Iranian assets as part of potential discussions, according to FXStreet. However, Washington maintains that the nuclear issue must be part of the first round of talks.
Unresolved issues in the Iran conflict
What is the status of the US naval blockade?
The blockade remains active. President Trump confirmed that the US is maintaining the blockade to prevent the export of Iranian oil, even as he declared the military conflict effectively over, according to BILD.
Has a peace agreement been reached?
No. While the US President expressed hope for a deal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that no progress has been made and that Iranian demands remain unacceptable, according to Berliner Zeitung.