President Donald Trump declared Sunday that renewed U.S. military strikes against Iran are “highly unlikely” if ongoing negotiations produce a strong agreement, while simultaneously warning that American forces remain fully prepared to launch another devastating offensive if necessary.
In a CNN interview, Trump pointed to Iran’s crippled military capabilities and collapsing economy as reasons he expects Tehran to eventually accept a deal. “They’re withering away financially. We’ve hit them militarily. We could finish them off,” the president said, emphasizing that a third U.S. aircraft carrier had just arrived in the region with all three strike groups “fully locked and loaded.”
Military Capabilities on Display
Trump revealed startling details about Iran’s diminished weapons production, claiming U.S. strikes had reduced the regime’s missile output to just 10% of previous capacity and drone manufacturing to about 15%. He also warned that American forces could destroy 38 key Iranian bridges “in literally one hour,” though expressed reluctance to inflict such long-term damage on civilian infrastructure.
“That puts an awfully big burden on the people. I don’t like that,” Trump said, noting reconstruction could take a decade given Iran’s challenging terrain. He extended similar warnings to power plants, suggesting another major offensive could leave Iran facing 10-15 years of rebuilding.
Diplomatic Push Intensifies
Behind the scenes, Vice President JD Vance has taken a lead role in negotiations through regional intermediaries like Qatar and Pakistan. However, Secretary of State Marco Rubio dampened expectations of an imminent breakthrough, calling Tehran’s current demands “outrageous and ridiculous and really not realistic.”
The administration has simultaneously tightened economic pressure, launching Task Force Iron Gate to disrupt Iran’s remaining land supply routes while maintaining a naval blockade. Trump cited Iran’s 300% inflation and inability to pay military personnel as signs the regime’s financial collapse is accelerating.
Iran’s Defiant Posture
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi blamed the U.S. midterm elections for stalled talks, warning of military retaliation if Washington chooses further strikes. “Our 2-day proposal stands: meet the requirements… or choose war, and see our alert and battle-hardened Warriors rain down hell,” he threatened.
The diplomatic maneuvering comes ahead of Trump’s Monday meeting with Qatar’s prime minister, whose government has been central to indirect negotiations. While the president maintains he prefers a diplomatic solution, his administration continues preparing military options should talks fail.
Source: www.breitbart.com โ https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2026/11/08/trump-renewed-u-s-strikes-iran-highly-unlikely-talks-progress/