In brief
On Sunday, Donald Trump informed reporters aboard Air Force One that the United States had decided against launching what could have been the most substantial military attack since World War II. Instead, he revealed that talks with Iran would begin the next day, following appeals from allies in the Middle East and the Iranian government. The decision came amid rising oil prices after earlier tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s remarks marked a shift from threat rhetoric to a tentative diplomatic window, though the specifics of the negotiations remain undisclosed. Iranian officials have yet to respond to the U.S. overture.
Donald Trump announced on Air Force One that planned strikes on Iran would be postponed and new talks would begin tomorrow.
He spoke to reporters aboard the aircraft, saying the United States would ‘be ready to go’ but had decided against launching what could have been the most significant attack since World II.
Trump noted that calls from Iran and U.S. allies across the Middle East urged the U.S. to hold off, as a deal had “perimeters” in place. He also mentioned that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince, the UAE, and Qatar warned against striking over the weekend.
The president declined to detail a deadline for the negotiations or confirm whether the talks would target Tehran’s nuclear program or oil infrastructure. He did say he was not looking to “kill people.”
Oil markets reacted sharply: Brent crude fell 4.5% to $83.98 on Monday, while U.S.‑traded oil dropped 4.6% to $80.74 amid fears that conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz could impact global supply.
In contrast, Iranian officials denied that Tehran had requested the U.S. to hold off, labeling Trump’s statements as “a new lie.”
Iran’s Foreign Minister said negotiations over the Hormuz Strait with Oman were “on track for finalisation.” Trump’s next steps remain unclear, as does the venue for the proposed talks.
