Trump Says Iran Conflict Nearing End as Maritime Attacks Continue

UPDATE - follow-up to Trump says U.S. still has to 'take care' of more targets in Iran: President Trump stated that the United States will conclude the war with Iran very soon either through a deal or by ending it directly. Speaking before a campaign rally in Iowa on Sunday, Trump described the military effort as a major victory and noted that negotiations are ongoing alongside continued hostilities.

Attacks and Diplomacy

Maritime security agencies reported fresh incidents in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday. A British agency received a mayday call after a merchant vessel was struck by an unknown projectile, following an earlier attack on Friday involving a Qatari liquefied natural gas carrier named Al Mayeda. That vessel, operated by the Qatar Gas Transport Company, sustained no crew injuries or environmental damage. Meanwhile, Iranian top diplomat Abbas Araghchi stated that Tehran hopes the U.S. will choose diplomacy and that negotiators are in Qatar discussing a proposal to potentially reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional Reactions

The United Arab Emirates expressed hope for a diplomatic breakthrough while preparing for potential escalation, according to diplomatic adviser Anwar Gargash. Conversely, Iranian army spokesman Mohammad Akraminia warned on Sunday that any renewed conflict could outlast the previous one and that Washington would not dictate its terms. Talks in Doha mark the third consecutive day of discussions involving Qatari mediators as both nations weigh negotiations against the threat of renewed strikes following the U.S. midterm elections on November 3.

Context

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical global choke point for oil and gas shipping, making vessel security a central priority during Middle East conflicts. Diplomatic mediation by regional powers like Qatar aims to prevent disruptions to global energy supplies and avoid wider military escalation.