U.S. President Donald Trump said negotiations with Iran are scheduled to begin on Monday afternoon after he agreed to delay a planned military strike, saying regional leaders urged Washington to give diplomacy another chance.
Speaking on Saturday, Trump said the operation, described by him as one of the largest considered since World War II—was put on hold after appeals from several Middle Eastern governments. He said Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned that another regional conflict could trigger a humanitarian crisis and fuel a new wave of displacement across the Middle East.
Trump said other regional leaders also encouraged the United States to postpone military action, arguing that a negotiated settlement with Tehran remained possible.
According to Trump, the proposed talks will focus primarily on Iran’s nuclear program and efforts to reduce regional tensions. He said diplomacy remained his preferred option, while warning that a military confrontation would result in significant casualties and further instability.
The announcement comes after months of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, marked by military exchanges, economic sanctions and repeated warnings from both sides. The Strait of Hormuz, regional security and Iran’s nuclear activities have remained central issues in the dispute.
Trump did not provide details on the venue, participants or format of the planned negotiations. Iran has not confirmed that talks will begin on Monday, and Saudi Arabia has not publicly commented on Trump’s assertion that its leadership helped persuade Washington to suspend military action.
The absence of official confirmation from Tehran means the timing and scope of the proposed negotiations remain uncertain despite Trump’s announcement.
