Trump pauses planned strikes on Iran to give diplomatic talks more time
by Gabs · MyNewsGh.comUS President Donald Trump has announced a pause in planned military strikes against Iran to allow diplomatic negotiations to continue, while warning that the US could return to military action if talks fail.
The discussions are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and working toward a new agreement on Iran’s nuclear programme.
The talks are being held mainly between Iran and Oman, with Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt and Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner also involved in the mediation process.
“We are in very deep talks with Iran. If they don’t work out, we will go back to very strong military action,” Trump said.
When asked how long he would allow the negotiations to continue, he said: “Not much time. Either it goes fast or not at all.”
Trump explained that regional partners had encouraged him to pause the planned strikes and continue with diplomacy.
“All of the people that deal with Iran asked me: ‘Don’t fire,’” he said.
The decision came after US military officials presented updated strike options during a high-level briefing. Commanders were later instructed to hold fire and not carry out planned operations targeting Iranian assets near Iran’s southern coast and the Strait of Hormuz.
Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi has continued consultations with officials from Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt as part of efforts to develop arrangements for maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz.
One proposal being considered involves regional countries, including Iran and Oman, collecting service fees connected to maritime security and environmental protection. Another option is placing the revenue into a joint fund involving the International Maritime Organization.
Trump also said oil prices declined and stock markets improved after the suspension of the planned strikes.
The US president is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where he said discussions will include Iran’s nuclear programme and regional security.
Source: MyNewsGh.com
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