Donald Trump previously acknowledged that the highly unpopular war with Iran partly contributed to the stinging defeat suffered by his Republican Party. (EPA Images pic)WASHINGTON: US president Donald Trump on Sunday cast doubt on renewed fighting with Iran, telling CNN that it was "highly unlikely" so long as talks progressed.

In recent weeks, Trump has threatened to renew strikes with US media reports suggesting that hostilities could resume after the US midterm elections this week.

"The answer is highly unlikely it's going to be necessary... I would if necessary, but we hit them really hard. I hit them so hard. You don't know how hard I hit them," Trump said, while warning that any decision to resume hostilities "depends on whether or not they sign a very strong agreement."