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

President Donald Trump stated the United States is engaged in "good talks" with Iran, expressing optimism about a potential deal to resolve their ongoing conflict. However, he cautioned that military action would resume if diplomatic efforts falter. This announcement came as Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Iraq reported drone attacks, seemingly testing a pause in the US military campaign. Washington had abruptly halted a two-week air strike operation against Iran on Saturday, marking a shift in strategy. "We're having good talks," Trump said, adding, "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." He later remarked at a rally, "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."

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We're having good talks.

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei indicated that messages were being exchanged through mediators, and Iran remained open to diplomacy, though he denied reports of Iran requesting negotiations. A senior Iranian official suggested Iran would halt its own attacks if the US ceasefire continued. However, Iran's central military command later accused the US of threatening vessels in its waters and attempting an "illegal maritime blockade," labeling it an escalation. Saudi Arabia reported shooting down drones targeting petroleum sites, including in Riyadh, attributing the launches to Iran-backed groups in Iraq. Concurrently, Iran's Houthi allies in Yemen claimed responsibility for targeting Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline in retaliation for Saudi drone incursions.

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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.

The shifting dynamics in the Iran conflict are occurring against the backdrop of upcoming US midterm elections. Public disapproval of the war has been a concern for Trump and the Republican Party. A recent Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump's approval rating at 37 percent, a slight increase, but only one in three Americans supported the Iran war, the lowest figure since the conflict began. Many Americans feel Trump has not clearly articulated his goals for the war. The suspension of US air strikes and Trump's comments on negotiations led to a significant drop in oil prices, with US Crude falling 8.21 percent to $US81.98 a barrel.

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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.