US officials have signaled a preference for sustaining economic sanctions, a naval blockade, and limited defensive strikes over expanded combat operations against Iran, with President Trump describing the conflict as “militarily effectively over” and Secretary of State Rubio stating there is “no need for major combat operations.” Recent diplomacy mediated by Qatar, including Iranian proposals for a brief Strait of Hormuz reopening tied to preconditions, has produced cautious momentum but no breakthrough, while Iran continues to reject reported progress and maintain maximalist demands. Post-midterm congressional shifts and allied pressure for de-escalation further reduce near-term incentives for formal congressional authorization of war, though US forces remain positioned for rapid response to any Iranian escalation in the Strait or against regional partners.