President warns military action could resume if negotiations fail
WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Monday that he ordered a pause in military strikes against Iran to allow diplomatic efforts another opportunity, while warning that the United States could resume expanded military operations if negotiations fail.
In an interview with Axios, Trump said ongoing discussions are focused on reaching a new agreement that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and revive broader negotiations on Iran’s nuclear programme.
According to the report, Oman is leading the talks, while Qatar, Pakistan and Egypt are also involved in mediation efforts alongside US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Trump said he remains open to diplomacy but indicated that the window for negotiations would be limited.
“If they don’t work out, we will go back to very strong military action,” he said, adding that the process must move quickly or not continue at all.
Mediators urged pause in military operations
Trump said he decided to suspend the strikes after countries involved in mediation requested additional time for diplomacy.
He added that those engaged in talks with Iran urged him not to continue military operations, saying he believed Tehran was interested in reaching an agreement.
Explaining his decision, Trump described the pause as a situation where “nothing gained, nothing lost” and noted that oil prices had fallen while stock markets had risen following the announcement.
Netanyahu meeting expected to focus on Iran
The US president is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Tuesday, where Iran is expected to feature prominently on the agenda.
Trump said he intended to discuss the regional security situation with Netanyahu and reiterated his long-standing position that his administration had prevented Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
The White House has not released further details about the meeting or the progress of the negotiations.
The diplomatic efforts come amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, with regional and international mediators continuing attempts to secure an agreement aimed at reducing the risk of further military escalation and restoring stability in the Gulf.
