In brief
In Washington on November 2, President Trump addressed reporters after a campaign event, stating he would not strike Iran again following the U.S. midterm elections and that a deal could be reached. Vice President J.D. Vance echoed the optimism, noting progress in negotiations but emphasizing a firm commitment from Iran to stop rebuilding its nuclear program. Both officials underscored that kinetic options remain available while negotiations continue in Doha under Qatari mediation.
On Monday, November 2, President Donald Trump addressed reporters in Washington after a campaign event, saying he would not consider renewed military strikes on Iran despite earlier hints that such actions were on the table. Trump emphasized that Iran must never acquire a nuclear weapon and that a negotiated settlement could still be achieved.
During the event, Trump replied “no” to a reporter's question about potential strikes after the midterm elections. He linked the conflict’s impact on gasoline prices to political pressure and urged voters to remember his administration’s efforts to keep Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
We kept Iranian leaders firing. We have crushed the nuclear programme. They will never have the forces to rebuild,” Trump said.
Vice President J.D. Vance, speaking at the same time, echoed Trump’s optimism, saying “Look, the president and I both feel pretty good about the prospects for potentially coming to a negotiated settlement. We’re going to keep on working at it.” He added that the U.S. would retain kinetic and non‑kinetic options if necessary.
We’ve made some progress. “We’ll see if we can make some more,” Vance told reporters.
Both Trump and Vance acknowledged that the U.S. and Iran had been engaged in three consecutive days of talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar, to push for a deal to end the conflict. The presidents argued that a firm, verifiable commitment from Iran to cease rebuilding its nuclear program is essential for a lasting settlement.
While the U.S. maintains that it has begun “major combat operations” and has conducted strikes against Iran, the administration insists the current conflict is not a full war and that it has not set a formal deadline for a potential resumption of strikes. The Biden war‑eraftra
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