US President Donald Trump has declared that negotiations with Iran are scheduled to begin on Monday, following his decision to halt an imminent military strike. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump emphasized that his primary goal was to give diplomacy an opportunity to address the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and curb Tehran's nuclear ambitions.
While confirming the start of talks, President Trump did not disclose the location of these discussions or the specific participants. He also declined to set a deadline for reaching an agreement with the Iranian regime. "Would I rather make a deal? I'm not looking to kill people because people die, a lot of people die, and we don't want that," Trump was quoted as saying, underscoring a preference for a diplomatic resolution over military conflict.
Diplomatic Efforts Intensify Amid Regional Tensions
Trump's announcement came late Saturday via Truth Social, where he indicated that he had agreed to cancel the planned attack after receiving assurances that a deal could achieve the "Immediate, Complete and Total" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and "an end to Iran's nuclear threat." He urged Tehran to "rapidly make a DEAL."
This development marks another shift in a conflict that has seen escalating tensions across the Gulf, the Red Sea, and beyond, since a new phase began in late February. Despite multiple rounds of diplomatic engagements, a comprehensive agreement has remained elusive.
In parallel, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi engaged in separate phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir on Sunday to discuss ongoing diplomatic initiatives, according to Iranian state media.
IRNA also reported that negotiations between Iran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz were nearing completion, citing Araqchi. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that these negotiations focused on establishing a new transit route through the strait and were distinct from discussions about its opening or closure.
Last month, Iran publicly rejected an Omani proposal, supported by Gulf states, to manage the strait, which reportedly involved voluntary transit fees for vessels.
Israel Vows Continued Pressure on Iran
Meanwhile, Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen affirmed the close security and intelligence coordination between Israel and the US. Cohen stated, "With or without an agreement, and regardless of any external commitments, if Iran attempts to renew its nuclear program or advance its ballistic missile industries, we will be there. We will take action, and we will strike."
This firm stance follows a meeting last Tuesday in Washington between Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Their discussions focused on various strategies to curb Iran's nuclear program, encompassing diplomacy, economic pressure, and potential military action.