Trump says fresh strikes on Iran are 'highly unlikely' if talks progress

Summary

US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that renewed strikes on Iran are 'highly unlikely' provided negotiations progress over Tehran's nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. In a phone interview reported by CNN, he said 'It depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement,' adding that he would strike again 'if necessary' but that the US had 'hit them really hard.' Trump said three aircraft carriers were stationed in the region and 'fully locked and loaded,' and said 38 Iranian bridges could be knocked down 'in literally one hour.' He also said the Iranian government retains 10 percent of its missile capacity and 15 percent of its drone capabilities. Separately, The Times of Israel reported that Iran's foreign minister said talks had stopped since the 'shock' of the US midterm elections, and that Iraq said it had reached an 'understanding' with the US on Hormuz exports.

Timeline

1. Middle East Eye

   8 Nov 2026, 18:53 UTCSource ↗

   Middle East Eye reports that Trump said renewed strikes on Iran are 'highly unlikely' provided talks over Tehran's nuclear programme and the Strait of Hormuz progress, and cited three carriers in the region and Iran's remaining missile and drone capacity.

2. Hindustan Times

   8 Nov 2026, 20:09 UTCSource ↗

   Hindustan Times reports that Trump said further US strikes on Iran are highly unlikely if peace talks progress, following Tehran's nuclear proposal.

3. The Times of Israel

   8 Nov 2026, 21:51 UTCSource ↗

   The Times of Israel reports that Trump told CNN a new Iran offensive is highly unlikely but depends on progress in talks, and that Iran's foreign minister said talks had stopped since the 'shock' of the US midterm elections.