Trump declines to say if he will resume Iran war

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that negotiations with Iran were "going fine" but declined to say whether he would resume the war against Tehran. Speaking to reporters at a Halloween party in Florida, he said Iran had repeatedly backed out of agreements.

Trump said Iran "want to make a deal" and that "we will see if they make a deal." Asked about a timeframe for the Qatari-mediated talks, he said Washington was "not in that much of a hurry," according to Middle East Eye. In a separate Telegram post, the Al Jazeera Arabic channel quoted him saying he would not discuss whether he would resume the war "in front of the media" when asked about it for the following week. The post has not been confirmed by a news outlet or official transcript, and its wording could not be checked against the remarks reported by other outlets.

Trump again said the United States had destroyed Iran's navy, air force and manufacturing capabilities. He also renewed his threat to strike Pick Axe Mountain, which Washington says hosts a nuclear site, saying the US could "do that all very quickly," according to Middle East Eye.

Iranian officials responded with warnings of their own. According to BBC Persian, Iran's defence minister, Mehrdad Ekhlaghi, said that the "scope and timing" of any response to an attack would not be set by those threatening Iran. He said "any aggression will be met with a proportionate, decisive and effective response." Iran's army spokesman, Mohammad Akrami-Nia, said any new war would not remain confined to West Asia and that "American facilities, equipment, forces and interests" could be targeted wherever they were reachable. He said a future conflict could last "far longer" than the previous one.

BBC Persian also reported that Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, ordered commanders to respond "urgently" and "without geographic limitation" to any threat. The report said he also said Iran would set the time and conditions for ending any new military or "terrorist" attack. The leader's official website reported the instruction, BBC Persian said.

Separately, Qatar's official news agency reported on Sunday that a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker was hit by an "unidentified projectile" while passing through the Gulf waters on Friday evening. The vessel, the Al Maideed, belongs to Qatar Gas Transport, according to the report. The agency said no crew members were injured and there was no environmental impact. The company said the ship was "safe" and could still operate.

Iran has declared restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz since the Middle East war began and has targeted ships it calls "violators," according to BBC Persian. The United States has placed Iran's ports under a naval blockade. Qatar, which is acting as a mediator, has stepped up diplomatic efforts in recent days to restart talks between Washington and Tehran.

In a statement, Iran's foreign ministry said the country had placed Britain's Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, on a list of "hostile" groups. It also said the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force had been listed under Iran's counter-terrorism measures, according to BBC Persian. Iran cited British military cooperation with the United States and Israel in the war as one reason for the decision.

German gas storage operators have also warned of low reserves ahead of winter. According to BBC Persian, the German industry body INES said storage levels reached 61.35 per cent by the end of October, and that the country's storage remained at a record low for this point in the year.

What is unconfirmed

It is not clear from the sources whether Trump intends to resume military action. The Telegram post attributed to Trump's remarks has not been verified by an official transcript. The sources also do not say when the Qatari-mediated talks might produce a result, or whether the Al Maideed was struck by a specific party.

Why it matters

For residents of the Gulf, the reported attacks on shipping and the restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz affect the movement of fuel and goods through a key waterway. Iran's statements that any response could extend beyond the region raise the prospect that the conflict could spread to other countries and to American forces and interests abroad.

Background

The sources describe a war in the Middle East that has involved Iran, the United States and Israel. Iran has said British military cooperation with those two countries was a factor in its decision on MI6 and the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Qatar, which hosts a large US military presence, has acted as a mediator in the talks, according to the reports.

What happens next

Trump's remarks suggest no date has been set for a decision on resuming military action. Qatar has said it is pushing to restart negotiations, but the sources do not give a date for a new round. Iran's army has said it is updating its list of targets and strengthening its operational readiness. Further statements from Washington and Tehran are expected, but none has been scheduled in the sources.