In brief
President Trump announced on Air Force One that the U.S. would not carry out the planned strike on Iran, instead opting for diplomatic talks that begin next week. He credited pressure from Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar for the pivot. The announcement helped calm oil markets, pulling crude prices down. Iran has yet to respond, while the U.S. remains uncertain on meeting details. The move reflects the 2026 escalation over the Strait of Hormuz, with strained U.S.-Iran relations.
Trump says new talks with Iran will begin Monday
In a televised briefing from Air Force One, President Donald Trump cancelled the previously announced strike on Iran, opting instead for negotiations that are set to start tomorrow afternoon.
He cited pressure from the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to hold off, noting that a deal had already been “in the works” on the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear issue.
The shift calmed oil markets, with Brent crude dropping 4.5% to $83.98 and U‑turns in U.S. oil prices falling 4.6% to $80.74. Traders cited the easing on shipping through the 20‑percent‑of‑world‑oil‑flowing Strait of Hormuz.
Iran’s state news agency, Mehr, demanded the U.S. explanation, calling Trump’s claims a ‘new lie’. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Oman negotiations were “on track” for finalising a Hormuz deal.
Trump declined to name the intended venue or personnel for the talks. He warned that the U.S. remains prepared to act but chose to “benefit the future” by stopping potential damage to civilian infrastructure.
The U.S. has faced criticism from both allies and domestic audiences for its approach to the Iran conflict, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 elections.
