WASHINGTON — U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that negotiations with Iran will take place on Monday afternoon, stepping back from imminent military strikes following appeals from Gulf allies. The diplomatic opening comes as Iran pursues a separate transit agreement with Oman and global energy markets react to ongoing volatility in vital Middle Eastern waterways.
Talks Announced Amid De-escalation
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump revealed that he decided to hold off on ordering new American military strikes against Iran at the urging of regional leaders, including Qatari and Emirati officials as well as a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
“They said we would much prefer a deal as opposed to an attack, because you don’t know where these attacks lead,” Trump said, recounting his conversation with the Crown Prince.
While Trump confirmed that negotiations would begin Monday afternoon, he did not provide details regarding the location or the specific participants involved, nor did he set a strict deadline for reaching an agreement. The announcement follows social media statements in which Trump claimed Iran and other Middle Eastern nations had requested time to finalize a deal aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Tehran's nuclear threat.
Oman Route Discussions and Maritime Security
Parallel to the U.S.-led diplomatic track, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei announced that Tehran is nearing an understanding with Oman regarding a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz.
“We are now going to reach an understanding on a route acceptable to both sides... one that respects the sovereign rights of both sides and safeguards our national interests and security,” Baqaei told state television. However, he emphasized that the agreement would not mean a full reopening of the strait to pre-war conditions, insisting it “will in no way return to the status it was before February 28th.”
Iranian state news also cited Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating that talks with Oman were entering their final stages. Araghchi additionally held diplomatic phone calls with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan’s army chief, General Asim Munir.
Maritime security remains precarious. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center reported a vessel explosion near the strait on Sunday, though the crew and ship were confirmed safe. Shipping data indicated that overall traffic through the strait has slowed, though two tankers carrying Saudi oil successfully traversed the Bab el-Mandeb strait over the weekend despite Houthi threats.
Market Reactions and Regional Stance
The de-escalation announcement provided immediate relief to global commodity markets. Brent crude dropped more than 4% in Asian trade on Monday, falling to about $83 per barrel as fears of an immediate wider conflict eased.
Despite the diplomatic push, regional actors remain heavily guarded. Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated that security coordination between Israel and the U.S. remains tight, warning that Israel reserves the right to take unilateral military action if Iran attempts to revive its nuclear program or ballistic missile capabilities.
Diplomatic efforts continue as international stakeholders monitor whether Monday's talks can translate temporary de-escalation into a lasting regional settlement.
0 Comments