- Trump says US and Iran talks will begin Monday
- He declines to set a deadline for a deal
- Iran continues diplomatic efforts over regional tensions
US. President Donald Trump has confirmed that fresh negotiations with Iran are scheduled to begin on Monday, but declined to set a deadline for reaching an agreement, despite previously saying he had suspended a planned military strike to allow diplomacy a chance.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday while returning to Washington from New Jersey, Eko Hot Blog gathered that Trump said discussions would commence Monday afternoon. However, he did not reveal the venue of the talks or identify those expected to participate.
When asked whether Iran had been given a timeframe to reach an agreement, Trump avoided giving a direct response, saying he preferred a diplomatic solution over further bloodshed.
“I would 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,” he said.
Trump had earlier announced on his Truth Social platform that Iran and several Middle Eastern countries requested additional time to conclude an agreement that would ensure the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and address concerns over Tehran’s nuclear programme. He added that any deal must be reached quickly.
The latest move marks another shift in the ongoing conflict, after weeks of threats of military escalation from both sides. Although Trump has repeatedly warned of possible attacks on Iran alongside Israel, he has continued to leave room for diplomatic engagement.
The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil and liquefied natural gas exports, contributing to higher energy prices and increasing inflationary pressure worldwide.
Despite defending his hardline stance as necessary to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, Trump has also faced growing pressure over the economic consequences of the conflict. Oil prices fell by more than four per cent in early trading on Monday following news of the planned talks.
Meanwhile, Iran has stepped up diplomatic efforts. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held separate telephone discussions with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, to discuss regional developments.
Iran’s state media also reported that negotiations between Tehran and Oman concerning issues related to the Strait of Hormuz were nearing completion. However, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that the discussions focused on establishing a new maritime route and were unrelated to any decision on reopening or closing the strategic waterway.
Last month, Tehran rejected an Omani proposal, backed by Gulf states, aimed at managing traffic through the strait.
Israel also reiterated its position on Iran’s nuclear programme. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen said Israel remained in close coordination with the United States on regional security matters and warned that his country would act if Iran resumed advancing its nuclear or ballistic missile programmes.
Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met in Washington last week, where both leaders reportedly reviewed diplomatic, economic and military options for addressing Iran’s nuclear activities. Iran continues to insist that its nuclear programme is intended solely for peaceful purposes.
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