The United States and Iran are expected to begin a new round of negotiations Monday as President Donald Trump signaled a possible diplomatic opening in the months-long conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and heightened tensions across the Middle East.
Speaking aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said talks would begin Monday afternoon but did not disclose the location, participants or any timetable for reaching an agreement. He also declined to set a deadline for a deal, saying his preference remains a negotiated resolution rather than continued military action.
The announcement followed Trump’s statement over the weekend that he had delayed a planned U.S. attack after Iran and other regional nations requested more time to pursue an agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing concerns over Iran’s nuclear program.
The conflict, launched in late February with coordinated U.S. and Israeli military operations, has expanded beyond Iran, with attacks affecting areas from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea and parts of the eastern Mediterranean.
Iran has largely closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route that normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. The disruption has driven up energy prices and contributed to broader inflation concerns, although oil prices fell more than 4% in early trading Monday amid renewed hopes for diplomacy.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held separate calls Sunday with officials from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan as Tehran continued diplomatic outreach. Iranian state media also reported that negotiations with Oman over issues related to the Strait of Hormuz were nearing completion, although Iranian officials said those discussions were separate from any decision to reopen the strategic waterway.
Israel said it remains closely coordinated with the United States and reiterated it would take military action if Iran attempts to advance its nuclear or ballistic missile programs, regardless of the outcome of the negotiations.
The latest diplomatic effort follows months of intermittent threats and stalled negotiations. Tehran continues to deny it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while the Trump administration maintains that preventing Iran from acquiring such capabilities remains its primary objective.
Source: Reuters