Trump announces Monday Iran talks after cancelling planned strikes

President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Iran will hold new talks on Monday afternoon, after he said he had halted a planned series of strikes intended to pressure Tehran over the Strait of Hormuz and its nuclear activities.

Iran's foreign ministry said it was not currently in direct talks with the United States but was negotiating with Oman on a temporary safe passage through the strait. Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei warned that an agreement with Oman alone would not reopen the waterway while U.S. "aggression" continues.

Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he had called off the attacks because the "perimeters of a deal" were being established, and that the United States was prepared to resume the operation at any time. He added, "We’re ready to go anytime we want. Would I rather make a deal? I’m not looking to kill people,"

The announcement came after the State Department urged Americans in the Middle East to be ready for possible evacuation and warned of flight disruptions. Earlier in the week, Trump had threatened further attacks on Iran, while Tehran pledged to "punish" the United States.

The conflict, now in its sixth month, has centered on the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has imposed pre-approved shipping routes and threatened tolls. Iran and Oman have been discussing a new single-lane route to ease navigation, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held calls with Saudi and Pakistani officials to explore diplomatic solutions. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also spoke with Trump, emphasizing the need for dialogue to reduce regional tensions.