Trump Says US Could Resume Iran Strikes as Qatar and Saudi Arabia Push for Diplomatic Solution

US President Donald Trump has said that Qatar and Saudi Arabia favour a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict with Iran, while warning that American forces remain prepared to resume military strikes if diplomatic efforts fail.

In an interview with Reuters on Monday, November 9, Trump said both Gulf countries wanted the confrontation to end through negotiations. However, he stressed that Washington retained the ability to launch further attacks whenever it considered military action necessary.

"Qatar would rather see a peaceful solution" and "Saudi Arabia would rather see a peaceful solution," Trump said, adding that the United States was "ready to go anytime we want" with strikes.

His comments came amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran, with regional governments attempting to prevent another escalation after months of military confrontation.

Trump Says Washington Is Not in a Hurry to Resume Attacks

Although Trump reiterated that the United States was prepared to carry out further military operations, he indicated that an immediate return to large-scale strikes was not his preferred course of action.

The president said he was comfortable maintaining the US naval blockade against Iran in the Strait of Hormuz while developments in the negotiations continued.

"We'll see where it goes," Trump told Reuters, adding that he was prepared if the situation required further action.

The remarks suggest that Washington is continuing to rely on military and economic pressure while leaving room for a diplomatic agreement. Trump did not announce any new military operation or provide a specific timeline for a possible resumption of strikes.

Qatar's Prime Minister Meets Trump

Trump's comments followed a meeting with Qatar's Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, earlier on Monday. The discussions included the conflict with Iran and diplomatic efforts to find a way forward.

Qatar has emerged as an important intermediary between Washington and Tehran since the conflict began on February 28. Its government has maintained communication channels with both sides, helping convey proposals and explore possible areas of agreement.

Doha's involvement has also extended to coordination with other regional partners, including Pakistan, as diplomatic efforts focus on reducing tensions and addressing disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme and maritime security.

The Qatari government has continued to support negotiations despite setbacks in previous attempts to secure a lasting ceasefire.

Saudi Arabia Also Supports a Peaceful Resolution

Trump's remarks indicate that Saudi Arabia, like Qatar, would prefer a diplomatic settlement rather than another phase of military confrontation.

Riyadh has a significant interest in regional stability, particularly because tensions involving Iran can affect Gulf security, energy infrastructure and international shipping routes.

The Strait of Hormuz is especially important to Saudi Arabia and other energy-exporting countries. Disruptions to commercial shipping through the waterway can affect oil supplies, transportation costs and global energy markets.

A peaceful agreement could therefore help reduce the security and economic risks facing Gulf countries. However, the diplomatic position of regional governments does not necessarily mean that all disagreements between Washington and Tehran have been resolved.

Strait of Hormuz Remains a Central Issue

The US naval blockade against Iran remains a major point of pressure in the confrontation. Trump said he was content to maintain the blockade while the diplomatic process continued.

The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the wider Indian Ocean. It is one of the world's most important energy shipping routes, making its security a central concern for international markets.

The dispute over maritime access has become closely connected to the broader negotiations. Any lasting settlement will need to address concerns about freedom of navigation, regional security and the conditions under which shipping can resume safely.

For Iran, the blockade is also a major economic and political issue. Tehran has sought changes to the restrictions as part of efforts to reduce pressure on its economy.

Diplomatic Efforts Continue Amid Military Uncertainty

The latest developments come as US officials and regional mediators continue exploring the possibility of a renewed agreement with Iran.

Vice President JD Vance has reportedly been involved in behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts, communicating with Qatari and Pakistani intermediaries. These discussions are aimed at restarting negotiations and finding a framework for a longer-term ceasefire.

The talks remain complicated by disagreements over Iran's nuclear programme, sanctions, maritime restrictions and security guarantees. Although mediators have reported some progress, a comprehensive agreement has yet to be announced.

The United States has maintained that any settlement must address its security concerns, particularly preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. Tehran, meanwhile, has sought relief from economic restrictions and an end to military and maritime pressure.

What Happens Next?

Trump's latest remarks underline the uncertainty surrounding the next phase of the Iran conflict. While Qatar and Saudi Arabia are advocating a peaceful outcome, Washington has made clear that it is not ruling out further military action.

For now, the US administration appears willing to allow diplomatic discussions to continue while maintaining pressure through the naval blockade. The coming negotiations will be important in determining whether the two sides can agree on issues that have repeatedly prevented a lasting settlement.

A breakthrough could reduce the risk of renewed attacks and improve security around the Strait of Hormuz. However, if negotiations fail to produce an agreement, Trump's warning suggests that the possibility of further US strikes will remain part of the situation.