US President Donald Trump said on Sunday, October 25, that the Iran war would not end until Washington was confident Tehran could no longer pose a nuclear weapons threat. His remarks came shortly after he ruled out additional US military strikes against Iran that day.
The statements followed growing tensions across the Middle East, particularly after renewed Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia raised concerns about a wider regional escalation.
Trump Sets Nuclear Conditions for Ending Iran War
Speaking to FOX 2 before a midterm election rally in Port Huron, Michigan, Trump emphasized that any agreement involving Iran must provide a lasting solution to the nuclear threat.
The president said he was focused on reaching a comprehensive agreement rather than securing a quick diplomatic victory.
His comments also addressed ongoing trade disagreements between Washington and Canada, highlighting his preference for long-term negotiations.
Earlier on Sunday, Trump told reporters outside the White House that no US strike against Iran would take place that day.
However, his remarks followed a warning on Friday that Washington could consider another military operation similar to Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28.
The contrasting statements have kept uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict elevated, even as diplomatic efforts continue.
US Orders Embassy Personnel to Leave Saudi Arabia
Meanwhile, Washington has increased security precautions in Saudi Arabia following repeated attacks by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi movement.
The US State Department ordered non-emergency government employees and their families to leave the kingdom because of growing security risks.
American officials warned that Houthi attacks against airports and other critical infrastructure could spread quickly, potentially placing additional civilian and diplomatic facilities at risk.
The security measures reflect mounting concerns that fighting involving Saudi Arabia and the Houthis could intensify the broader regional conflict.
Saudi Arabia Intercepts 10 Houthi Missiles
Saudi authorities reported intercepting 10 ballistic missiles launched by the Houthis toward southern parts of the kingdom on Sunday.
According to Saudi Civil Defence, falling debris from intercepted missiles injured two people in Khamis Mushait and Ahad Rafidah.
The incident also damaged three residential buildings and seven vehicles.
Separately, Saudi authorities reported intercepting two ballistic missiles on Saturday that were allegedly directed toward Mecca and Medina, two of Islam’s holiest cities.
The Saudi-led coalition also announced the destruction of additional Houthi missiles and drones.
In response, the Houthis warned travelers to avoid airports they described as military targets, raising further concerns about aviation safety and regional transportation disruptions.
Gulf Countries Condemn Missile Attacks
Several Middle Eastern governments strongly criticized the missile launches against Saudi Arabia.
The United Arab Emirates described the attacks as a serious violation of Saudi sovereignty and expressed support for Riyadh’s efforts to protect national security.
Kuwait also condemned the strikes and reaffirmed its solidarity with the Saudi government.
Meanwhile, Bahrain warned that missile launches toward Mecca and Medina could endanger religious sites and visitors.
Yemen’s internationally recognized government joined the condemnation, highlighting civilian injuries and property damage in the affected Saudi cities.
However, the Houthis rejected accusations that they had deliberately targeted Mecca and Medina.
The exchanges underscore the growing regional divisions surrounding the conflict and the risk of further military escalation.
Iran Warns Against Renewed US Military Action
In Tehran, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that another war would not produce a different outcome from previous confrontations.
Speaking during a televised event, Araghchi suggested that renewed military operations would fail to achieve Washington’s broader objectives.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Iran’s parliamentary speaker told the state-linked ISNA news agency that negotiations with the United States would remain meaningless until Washington accepted Tehran’s seven conditions.
Iran’s parliamentary speaker also argued that the United States had become trapped in an increasingly difficult regional conflict and needed to take steps toward resolving it.
These statements highlight the substantial differences separating Washington and Tehran, despite continued diplomatic contacts.
Qatar Holds Talks in Tehran as Regional Tensions Rise
Amid the heightened tensions, a Qatari delegation traveled to Tehran on Sunday for discussions with Iranian officials.
An Iranian official characterized the visit as part of routine diplomatic exchanges during a period of regional uncertainty.
Qatar’s involvement comes as several Middle Eastern governments seek to prevent further military escalation and preserve opportunities for dialogue.
Nevertheless, Trump’s insistence on resolving Iran’s nuclear threat, combined with continued Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, suggests that significant obstacles remain.
For global markets, the uncertainty also raises concerns about potential disruptions to energy supplies, regional trade routes, and broader geopolitical stability.
The coming diplomatic developments and military decisions could prove important in determining whether the Iran conflict moves toward de-escalation or another period of intensified confrontation.
