Trump says new Iran talks set to start, calls off strikes

President Donald Trump announced that new negotiations with Iran are set to commence, a move that coincides with his decision to halt planned military strikes against the Islamic Republic. The U.S. president stated that the upcoming talks would focus on the critical Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies and a major point of contention in the ongoing conflict, as well as Iran's broader denuclearization efforts.

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Now what we're doing is we're talking to them in the form of a negotiation. It begins tomorrow afternoon.

This diplomatic development follows a period of heightened tensions. The U.S. and Iran have been engaged in a conflict since late February, marked by periods of on-again, off-again diplomacy. Recent escalations had fueled fears of wider conflict, with Trump previously threatening significant retaliation, including potential attacks on energy infrastructure.

Trump indicated that the decision to pause strikes was influenced by requests from Iran and U.S. allies, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. He described the potential strikes as the largest attack since World War II. However, Iranian media has denied that Tehran requested Trump to refrain from striking.

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They know that the main issue and, in fact, the key to the matter right now is the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, so yes, there is an exchange of views.

Meanwhile, Iran reported progress on a separate deal with Oman concerning a new route through the Strait of Hormuz. The strategic waterway has seen increased volatility, with a recent incident involving a tanker reporting an explosion nearby. Iran has previously tightened its control over the strait during the conflict, disrupting free passage for vessels.

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We must strive to compel the enemy to remain committed to what it has signed.