In brief
On Nov. 2, 2026, President Trump stated he might forgo a renewed U.S. attack on Iran, noting Iran seems eager for a deal. Vice President JD Vance confirmed Washington’s confidence in progress and the need for a verifiable commitment that Iran will not rebuild its nuclear program. The move comes amid ongoing diplomatic talks in Doha and high gasoline prices linked to the conflict.
On November 2, 2026, President Donald Trump said he may abandon a threat of renewed U.S. military strikes against Iran, suggesting a negotiated deal could be reached.
Asked whether he was considering new attacks after the U.S. mid‑term elections, Trump replied, "no." He said the situation "could be resolved" and linked the high gasoline prices to political pressure to end the war.
In a speech at the Washington Reflecting Pool, Trump told reporters Iran “wants to make a deal” and that a settlement “could happen.” He reiterated that the U.S. will not allow Iran to possess a nuclear weapon, warning that a nuclear‑armed Iran would change the world.
The president also said, “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.”
Vice President John “JD” Vance echoed the sentiment, saying Washington has made "progress" in talks with Iran and the nation “is pretty good” about a settlement.
“The Iranians are always a little unpredictable, and as the president always says, he retains kinetic options. He retains non‑kinetic options, but we’ve certainly made some progress. We’ll see if we can make some more,”
Vance added that the U.S. wants a firm, verifiable commitment from Iran that it will not rebuild its nuclear program, but noted that kinetic and non‑kinetic options remain available. He said no deadlines had been set before any potential strikes resume.
Iranian negotiators have been in Doha with Qatari mediators for a third consecutive day of talks as the conflict enters its ninth month. The U.S. and Israel launched attacks on Iran on February 28, 2026, and have maintained that the stakes remain high while diplomatic channels stay open.
