US President Donald Trump has claimed that he has temporarily halted a major military attack on Iran and that new talks between the two countries will begin on Monday afternoon. Trump said that the proposed attack would have been so massive that it would have been “the largest military operation since World War II.” He also said that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Iran itself had appealed to him to avert military action.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the US military was fully prepared, but allies advised him to prioritize a diplomatic solution. He said he asked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman whether an attack or a compromise would be preferable. He was told a compromise was the best path, as the outcome of the war was unpredictable.
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Hormuz and nuclear program will be discussed
Trump said the talks, which begin Monday, will address key issues such as the Strait of Hormuz and Iran ‘s nuclear program. However, he did not specify where the talks would take place or who would be involved.
According to regional officials, potential proposals could include resuming direct talks between the US and Iran, halting attacks across the region, restricting the activities of Iran-backed groups in Iraq, and allowing Iran to export oil in exchange for the US lifting the naval blockade. However, no final agreement has yet been confirmed.
Iran rejects Trump’s claims
Meanwhile, Iran rejected Trump’s claim that it had appealed to the US to halt new attacks. Iranian state media called it a “new lie.” According to the Mehr and Fars news agencies, Iranian military forces are on full alert and reopening the Strait of Hormuz is out of the question as long as hostile US activities continue.
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Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will not return to normal. He also said that talks with Oman regarding a shipping corridor are ongoing, but no decision has been made on opening the Strait.
Increased contact with Saudi and Pakistan
Meanwhile, Iran has also stepped up its regional diplomatic efforts. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held talks with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir to discuss regional security and stability. Saudi Arabia has also stated that it will continue dialogue with all parties to maintain peace and stability in the region.
Trump’s offer of talks and Iran’s harsh response come at a time when tensions between the two countries have not fully subsided. Therefore, the world will be watching the talks scheduled for Monday.