Day 256 | Trump sees 'positive momentum' on Iran deal
US President Donald Trump said on Monday that there is "positive momentum" toward reaching an agreement to end the war with Iran, following high-level talks with Qatar's prime minister at the White House.
Trump met Monday for approximately 45 minutes with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani to discuss regional negotiations and diplomatic pathways involving Tehran, according to a source familiar with the matter.
Following the session, Trump wrote on Truth Social that a resumption of American military strikes against Iranian targets is "quite unlikely," adding that Gulf countries are eager to preserve the current status quo.
The remarks mark a potential de-escalatory turn in diplomatic efforts, with Doha continuing to serve as a principal intermediary between Washington and Tehran by shuttling proposals between both sides.
Speaking separately to Reuters in a brief phone interview, Trump noted that regional partners are actively pushing for an end to hostilities.
He stated that both Qatar and Saudi Arabia would prefer to see a peaceful resolution to the escalating confrontation with Iran.
However, Trump cautioned that Washington has not taken the military option off the table, warning that the United States remains ready to launch strikes at any time if circumstances demand.
For now, Trump indicated he is in no rush to order further direct attacks, maintaining that he is prepared to keep up strategic pressure through enforcement of the US naval blockade targeting Iranian ports while mediation plays out.
Saudi intercepts ballistic missile launched by Houthis toward southern region
Major General Turki Al-Malki, spokesperson for the Saudi-led coalition, announced that air defense systems intercepted and destroyed a ballistic missile fired by the Houthis toward the kingdom's southern region.
US Rep. Ilhan Omar calls for impeachment of Pete Hegseth
US Representative Ilhan Omar has called for the impeachment of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, accusing him of a "gross abuse" of his office through unlawful military actions abroad.
In a public statement on social media platform X, the progressive lawmaker charged Hegseth with overseeing unauthorized operations and endangering non-combatants across multiple regions.
"Pete Hegseth has grossly abused his position as Secretary of Defense," Omar stated. "He is waging an illegal war in Iran, conducting extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean, and continues to put innocent civilians in harm's way."
Omar concluded her statement by demanding formal legislative action against the Pentagon chief, writing: "Accountability is due. It's time to impeach Hegseth."
The call comes amid growing scrutiny from progressive Democrats over the administration's expanded military posture and actions conducted without prior congressional authorization.
Iran's security chief dismisses talks as 'fake news'
Mohsen Rezaei, Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, called Washington a "desperate gambler" manufacturing false claims about imaginary talks, urging the US to acknowledge a "new order" in the region and surrender to Tehran's seven stated conditions.
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Read more: Day 255 | Explosions shake Iran's Qeshm, Bandar Abbas
