Trump Says Iran Talks to Take Place Monday, Sets No Deadline for Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Monday that negotiations with Iran would begin, signaling a potential de-escalation after days of heightened tensions. Trump stated that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested time to finalize a deal that would lead to the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. He emphasized that Tehran must "rapidly make a DEAL."

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Iran and other Middle Eastern countries have asked for time to conclude a deal that will lead to the Immediate, Complete and Total reopening of this vital waterway and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.

Trump's decision to call off an imminent attack, which he had previously threatened, came in hopes of quickly reaching an agreement. Speaking to reporters, he expressed a desire to avoid further casualties, stating, "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." The negotiations are set to begin Monday afternoon, though details regarding the location and participants remain undisclosed.

The conflict has spread across the Gulf, impacting crucial oil transit routes like the Strait of Hormuz, which carries 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas. Iran's actions have led to rising energy prices and broader inflation, putting political pressure on Trump to find a resolution. In response to the potential diplomatic breakthrough, oil prices fell more than 4% in early trading on Monday.

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Tehran must rapidly make a DEAL.

Meanwhile, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi engaged in diplomatic discussions with his Saudi counterpart and Pakistan's army chief. Iran's state media reported that negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz were in their final stages. However, Iranian officials clarified that these talks focused on establishing a new route through the strait and were separate from the broader issue of its closure.

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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.