U.S.-Iran talks set to resume as Trump pauses strikes
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – Diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran intensified over the past 12 hours after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that talks with Iran are scheduled to begin on Monday, while confirming that Washington has postponed a new round of military strikes.
Trump said that negotiations would focus on Iran’s nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway that has been largely disrupted by months of fighting and maritime tensions in the Gulf. The U.S. president, however, declined to set a deadline for reaching an agreement.
The announcement came after Trump said he had halted planned attacks on Iranian targets, citing what he described as progress toward a diplomatic solution and requests from regional partners to allow negotiations to proceed. Gulf states, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, reportedly urged Washington to avoid further military escalation, warning of its potential impact on regional security and global energy markets.
Iranian officials have not publicly confirmed Trump’s claims that Tehran requested a pause in hostilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi has instead held consultations with regional leaders and Omani officials over proposals aimed at easing tensions and restoring maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
The latest diplomatic push follows days of renewed threats between Washington and Tehran. Trump had previously warned of possible strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure before reversing course over the weekend, saying he preferred diplomacy over further military action.
Oil prices fell by more than 4 percent in early trading on Monday amid expectations that negotiations could reduce the risk of a wider regional conflict and help restore shipping through one of the world’s most important energy corridors.
The United States and Iran have been engaged in a months-long confrontation since February, with hostilities spreading across the Gulf and Red Sea and disrupting global trade and energy supplies.