In brief
Trump said he is unsure about launching a new attack on Iran after the recent elections, but is optimistic about a negotiated deal. Vice President Vance echoed that progress is being made, while Trump warned Iran must not develop nuclear weapons and noted that U.S. pressure has weakened Iran’s economy—claims only reported by Anadolu.
President Donald Trump said that the United States is reconsidering a previously threatened military strike on Iran, suggesting that a negotiated settlement could be reached in light of post‑midterm developments.
In a Washington speech at the Reflecting Pool on Monday, Trump denied that a new U.S. campaign was underway and linked the ongoing conflict to high gasoline prices that are weighing on voters. Strongly stressed that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon, he declared that "We’re not going to allow Iran ever to have a nuclear weapon, and they understand that." The president also noted that Qatari mediators were conducting third‑day talks in Doha, hinting that a diplomatic breakthrough might be possible.
Vice President J.D. Vance, in a separate briefing, echoed Trump’s optimism, saying the two leaders were "pretty good" about the prospects for a negotiated settlement. "The Iranians are always a little unpredictable, and as the president always says, he retains kinetic options," Vance told reporters. He added that progress has been made but that a firm, verifiable commitment from Iran is still required to prevent a rebuild of its nuclear program.
In a separate Anadolu report, Trump said U.S. pressure had severely weakened Iran’s economy, a point not mentioned by other outlets. "We crippled them financially. They have no money, no gasoline and their people are getting very tired of it," he said during a campaign event following the midterms.
The combined statements from Trump and Vance indicate that Washington remains firm on nuclear safeguards while keeping diplomatic channels open; meanwhile, the economic impact of U.S. pressure is highlighted only in the Anadolu coverage.
