Trump says US and Tehran having ‘good talks’ as drones hit Iran’s neighbours

President Donald Trump announced Monday that the United States is conducting "good talks" with Iran, expressing optimism about a potential deal to resolve their ongoing conflict. He cautioned, however, that U.S. military strikes would resume if negotiations failed.

“

We're having good talks. I think there's a good chance that something could happen, and if it does, good, if it doesn't, we go back to doing what we were doing two days ago.

This diplomatic overture followed an abrupt suspension of U.S. airstrikes on Iran on Saturday, a shift in strategy after five months of conflict. Trump described the negotiations as "very friendly," though he also stated that Iran "can't be bribed" and must be "beat." He indicated that if a deal is reached, it would be positive, but if not, the U.S. would revert to its previous military actions.

“

You can’t bribe them. You’ve got to beat them, and we’ll beat the hell out of them. But we’ll see how it turns out. Right now, there are very friendly negotiations going on.

Despite Trump's hopeful remarks, Iran appeared to test the pause in U.S. military action. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq reported drone attacks on Monday. Saudi Arabia announced it had intercepted drones targeting petroleum sites, including in Riyadh, stating they were launched from Iraq by Iran-backed groups. The kingdom reserved its right to respond.

“

This is not in our DNA.

In parallel, Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen claimed responsibility for attacking the East-West Pipeline, which transports oil to Saudi Arabia's main Red Sea port. They cited Saudi drone incursions as their reason for retaliation. Iran's central military command also accused the U.S. of threatening vessels in its territorial waters and attempting an "illegal maritime blockade," which Iran deemed an escalation of regional conflict. Tehran maintained its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global energy supplies.

“

This constitutes an escalation of the conflict in the region.