WASHINGTON, D.C. / RankWire.AI / – President Donald Trump announced that the United States would abandon a planned attack on Iran if negotiators swiftly reach an agreement. Trump emphasized that the deal must include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and tackling Iran’s nuclear program. He also mentioned that Israel backed the diplomatic efforts. As of Monday, the White House had not made public any signed agreement, and specific terms or a formal timeline remained undisclosed.
Iran disputed Trump’s assertion that Tehran had requested Washington to halt the anticipated strike. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated that negotiations with Oman regarding navigation routes were approaching their final phase. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei explained that these talks involved a new route through the waterway, but remained separate from any decision to fully reopen Hormuz. Iran also kept its armed forces on high alert.
The announcement followed a conversation between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. Saudi Arabia conveyed that the crown prince emphasized the importance of dialogue and reducing regional tensions during their discussion. Trump identified Jared Kushner, special envoy Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as participants in the negotiations. The United States did not release a final timeline for the talks. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia continues to support direct diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.
Discussions Encompass Nuclear and Maritime Disputes
Military actions against Iran by the United States and Israel began on February 28, targeting Iranian missile systems and nuclear sites, according to official statements. A temporary ceasefire was implemented during June, but the conflict resumed after the arrangement fell apart. Iran maintains that it is not pursuing nuclear weapons and defends its right to civilian nuclear technology, rejecting claims to the contrary.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical element of ongoing negotiations because it facilitates a significant portion of global energy shipments. Prior to the conflict, approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passed through this waterway. Iranian restrictions have caused tanker traffic to decrease and transportation costs to rise. Maritime authorities also reported several recent security incidents near Oman, including a projectile that damaged a tanker’s engine room; officials confirmed no casualties during the incidents over the weekend.
Oil Prices Drop Significantly After U.S. Statement
Oil prices declined sharply on Monday following Trump’s statement that the planned U.S. attack would not move forward if an agreement was reached. Brent crude decreased by $4.49, or 5.1%, trading at $83.44 a barrel in early trading. U.S. West Texas Intermediate fell by $4.90, or 5.8%, settling at $79.77. Both benchmarks had surged over 20% in July. OPEC+ also approved an increase of roughly 188,000 barrels per day for September.
By early Monday, no finalized nuclear, maritime, or security deal had been announced. Trump linked the cancellation of the strike to the swift conclusion of negotiations. Iran continued discussions with Oman and maintained military alert status, while Israel confirmed close security coordination with the United States. The negotiations mainly focus on navigation routes through the Strait of Hormuz, Iran’s nuclear program, and ending the five-month conflict.