WASHINGTON (AP) — Talks between Washington and Tehran are positioned as Iran’s last opportunity to avoid escalated U.S. strikes, President Donald Trump stated on Monday. Speaking from the Oval Office, Trump anticipates negotiations to commence shortly, aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and resolving U.S. concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear aspirations.
Trump outlined a phased approach, with the initial step being the opening of the straits, followed by denuclearization efforts. He acknowledged this process would require time. Despite U.S. military actions affecting Tehran’s leadership and armed forces, Iran remains hopeful in outlasting Trump, given the president’s dwindling munitions supply and the potential backlash from American voters ahead of November’s elections.
On Sunday, Trump shared with reporters Iran’s appeal to delay further strikes, backed by Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Trump refrained from a planned major assault on Iran, citing pleas from these allies and unnamed Iranian officials after consultations with notable figures like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The president emphasized the talks as Iran’s final chance to secure a favorable agreement.
Earlier on Monday, Trump criticized Iran on social media, describing its actions as ‘unbelievably duplicitous.’ His remarks followed Iranian claims that discussions with Oman focused solely on establishing temporary safe navigation through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
Despite Trump’s threats of further attacks, which have been made and retracted several times, he asserts that he is extending every opportunity for peaceful resolution to preserve lives. Critics note a pattern of aggressive posturing followed by retraction in his dealings with Iran. This approach, however, may partly reflect awareness within the administration that military might alone might not suffice to subdue Iran.
Some prominent voices, such as Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), view Trump’s approach as inconsistent, likening it to seeking a reset to earlier attempts at de-escalation. Trump’s history of heated rhetoric followed by retreat includes instances such as: a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran in April just before a deadline for attack; and in May, pausing potential strikes in favor of negotiations, acknowledging allied influence for his restraint.
Most recently, Trump contemplated a vast military operation targeting Iran’s energy sector but withdrew upon progressing peace talks. He omitted discussions on deploying U.S. ground forces in Iran, an approach conflicting with his anti-foreign entanglement campaign narrative.
The involvement of the Saudi crown prince was reportedly pivotal in Trump’s decision to delay further conflict escalation. In a phone call, the prince advised Trump of potential severe repercussions on the global economy should Tehran retaliate, an insight confirmed by an anonymous source.
Meanwhile, the conflict’s effect on U.S. politics cannot be ignored. With midterm elections approaching, Trump insists electoral factors do not influence his Iran strategy. However, recent polls reveal widespread public doubt over the war’s value, including dissatisfaction among significant segments of Republicans.
Some Republicans call for recalibrating U.S. strategy. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) highlighted the significant impact of U.S. military actions in Iran and cautioned against further escalation, noting potential economic consequences like elevated energy prices and inflation. Kennedy suggests maintaining the current posture while focusing on sanctions and Iran’s nuclear activities.
Contributions were made by AP writers Melanie Lidman in Tel Aviv and Josh Boak in Washington.