TRUMP SAYS US WAR IN IRAN EFFECTIVELY OVER AS HE PLAYS DOWN ESCALATION CONCERNS | DONALD TRUMP

What happened: Donald Trump said the US war in Iran is "effectively over" and played down concerns of escalation after the midterm elections, speaking at a White House briefing following talks with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Why it matters: Trump said Gulf allies are well protected and escalation is not needed, while adding the US is "locked and loaded" to resume full-scale action if the situation changes. Vice-president JD Vance said the Iran war was a key reason for the Republican defeats. Coverage: 6 outlets in 24h

Donald Trump said the US war in Iran is "effectively over" and played down concerns of escalation after the midterm elections, speaking at a White House briefing following talks with Qatari prime minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Trump said Gulf allies are well protected and escalation is not needed, while adding the US is "locked and loaded" to resume full-scale action if the situation changes. Vice-president JD Vance said the Iran war was a key reason for the Republican defeats.