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Trump says new US-Iran talks to begin Monday after delaying military strike

By The South Asia Times

WASHINGTON - US President Donald Trump said new negotiations with Iran will begin on Monday after he decided to delay planned military strikes in favor of pursuing a diplomatic agreement aimed at ending the conflict that has entered its sixth month.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on Sunday, Trump said the talks would focus on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy shipping route, and Iran's nuclear program. He said he postponed military action after appeals from regional partners, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, as well as Iran. Iranian state media denied that Tehran had requested the delay.

Separately, Iranian officials said Tehran was close to reaching an agreement with Oman on a new shipping route through the Strait of Hormuz, although they stressed it would not amount to reopening the strategically important waterway.

Oil prices fell in early Asian trading on Monday after Trump's announcement, with U.S. benchmark West Texas Intermediate crude dropping 4.7% to $80.72 a barrel.

The renewed diplomatic push comes after months of conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran, raising hopes of easing tensions in one of the world's most critical energy transit corridors.