Trump says new round of Iran talks will begin Monday

What Happened

President Donald Trump stated aboard Air Force One on Sunday that negotiations with Iran are to begin on Monday afternoon, after he decided to hold off on what he described as 'the biggest attack since World War II' targeting Iran. He said that US allies Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar—as well as Tehran—urged him to delay the strikes. Trump claimed a deal on the Strait of Hormuz is within reach and that this would be followed by negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme or 'denuclearisation.' Separately, Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs Abbas Araghchi held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud and Pakistani Army Commander Asim Munir to discuss diplomatic initiatives and regional security, according to a Telegram post by Araghchi. Iran's IRNA news agency, citing Araghchi, reported that negotiations with Oman over the Strait of Hormuz are in their final stages. The context is an ongoing armed conflict that began on February 28 with US and Israeli surprise strikes on Iran, interspersed with diplomacy and periods of relative calm; a previous ceasefire that included reopening the Hormuz strait collapsed, and Iran has since tightened control over the waterway amid renewed exchanges.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The move signals a potential diplomatic off-ramp to escalating US-Iran military confrontations, with Gulf states playing a mediator role. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical energy chokepoint, and a deal would have major implications for global oil markets. A parallel nuclear track could revive broader negotiations reminiscent of the 2015 framework, though under reimposed 'maximum pressure' sanctions. The involvement of Pakistan's army chief underscores regional power dynamics.

Watch For

Whether the Monday afternoon talks actually take place and with which participants; concrete outcomes from the Oman-brokered Hormuz negotiations; statements from Israeli officials and the Pentagon; Trump's next moves if talks stall; and Iran's reciprocal actions on the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear programme.