President Donald Trump announced that newly planned talks with Tehran represent the “last chance” for Iran to forge a deal and avoid an escalation of US strikes, according to statements made from the Oval Office. Negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address the United States’ concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear programme are expected to begin within the next day or two.
Strait of Hormuz Talks and Denuclearisation Phases
According to the administration, the diplomatic roadmap is divided into specific operational steps. “The first phase is the opening of the straits,” Trump stated, adding that “The second phase will be the denuclearisation” and noting that the latter step “will take a little while.” While the US military has decimated layers of Tehran’s leadership and targeted its air force and navy, Iran has calculated it can outlast the administration amid diminished US munitions stockpiles and mounting political pressure ahead of November’s midterm election.
Did you know? The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy chokepoint connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, making its security vital for international oil shipments.
Gulf Allies Persuade Administration to Halt Major Strikes
Trump revealed that he decided to hold off on ordering a massive new military operation against Iran—planned as “the biggest attack since World War II” for Sunday—at the direct urging of regional allies. According to a person briefed on the discussions who requested anonymity, key Gulf leaders including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with officials from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, successfully lobbied the White House to give diplomacy more time.
During a phone call on Saturday, the Saudi crown prince conveyed that an expanded conflict could severely impact the global economy if Tehran targeted US Gulf allies in response. Saudi officials emphasized that while the kingdom, Qatar, and the UAE are well-positioned to defend against potential strikes, Kuwait remains more vulnerable to attacks by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, as reported by sources familiar with the diplomatic exchanges.
Critics Question Administration Strategy and Pattern of Retreat
The sudden shift from imminent military escalation to renewed talks mirrors a broader pattern observed throughout the conflict. Earlier, Trump had expressed frustration on his Truth Social platform after the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated Tehran was not holding active negotiations, writing that “Iranian Leadership is unbelievably duplicitous!” Yet, much like previous halts in April, May, and June—where planned strikes on infrastructure and energy hubs were called off at the eleventh hour—the president opted for a diplomatic pause.
Lawmakers have scrutinized this back-and-forth approach. “I think what we’re seeing here is a president who has an approach that’s just rather erratic,” said Senator Mark Kelly, an Arizona Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, during an appearance on CBS News’ Face the Nation. “At this point, he’s trying to get us back to February. And I think if he could — if he had a big reset button he could hit — he would certainly take that option.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the new talks between the US and Iran expected to begin?
According to President Donald Trump, negotiations are expected to begin within a day or two of his Oval Office announcement.
What are the primary goals of the newly planned negotiations?
The talks aim to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in the first phase and address United States concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear programme in the second phase.
Which regional leaders influenced the decision to halt the planned US military strikes?
According to administration statements and briefing sources, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, along with leaders from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, persuaded the White House to give diplomacy another chance.
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