Trump says US not currently fighting Iran after recent exchange of fire

President Donald Trump told reporters on Thursday that the United States is “not fighting right now,” even as a recent exchange of fire between U.S. forces and Iranian-backed militias in the Middle East has drawn international attention. The comments were made during a press briefing at the White House, where the president emphasized that the United States has not declared war and that diplomatic channels remain open to de‑escalate the situation.

The latest hostilities began on Wednesday when U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf responded to missile launches from Iranian‑aligned groups in Iraq, resulting in a brief but intense exchange of fire. Both sides reported limited damage and no casualties, and the U.N. Security Council convened an emergency session to urge restraint. While officials in Washington continue to monitor the developments, the administration maintains that the incident does not constitute a broader conflict, and diplomatic efforts are underway to prevent further escalation.