US and Iran to hold new talks amid tensions
The United States and Iran will hold new talks Monday afternoon, President Donald Trump announced, after revealing he called off intense new strikes to allow for a deal on the Strait of Hormuz and Tehran’s nuclear program, reports BritPanorama.
Trump indicated that the decision to cancel the attacks was made within the context of what he described as “the perimeters of a deal,” which would involve resuming shipping through the vital global trade route.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump claimed that the strikes he canceled were poised to be “the biggest attack since World War II.” He emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to execute a “massive attack” but highlighted that such action could still occur “anytime we want.”
Despite the current discussions, Trump stated that Iran does not have a specific deadline for reaching an agreement. “We’re ready to go anytime we want. Would I rather make a deal? I’m not looking to kill people,” he told reporters en route to Washington after a weekend in New Jersey.
Iran has yet to publicly respond to Trump’s statements regarding the new talks. The president has previously oscillated between threatening major military action and retracting those threats, suggesting some diplomatic progress, only for negotiations to falter amid renewed attacks from both sides.
This development follows the latest series of attacks that have failed to disrupt Tehran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, with the conflict even extending to the Red Sea and Egypt, potentially leading to broader economic repercussions globally.
Increased American casualties and surging energy prices have placed additional domestic pressure on Trump, who appeared ready to escalate military involvement before again opting to back down.
Trump’s announcement regarding the cancellation of strikes came after the State Department urged Americans in the Middle East to consider leaving or prepare for rapid departure due to heightened security concerns and potential flight disruptions.
The situation remains fluid, with continued uncertainty about the outcome of the upcoming discussions.
