Trump Cancels Planned Strikes on Iran, Announces Talks
US President Donald Trump has announced that negotiations with Iran will resume on Monday, August 3. He had previously called off a planned "massive strike" against the country, hoping to reach an agreement.
Trump told reporters aboard the presidential plane that the talks are expected to begin in the afternoon. According to him, Iran was aware of the planned American attack, as they could see the build-up of forces.
"Now we are talking with them in a negotiation format. They start tomorrow afternoon, and we'll see what happens," the US President said on Sunday, August 2.
Trump claims that Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iran itself asked him to cancel the attack. The American president explained that regional partners see a possibility of negotiating the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, and subsequently, regarding Tehran's nuclear program.
Saudi state news agency reported that Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, during a phone call with Trump, called for de-escalation. Meanwhile, Iranian state media denied that Tehran asked Washington to refrain from strikes.
Despite canceling the operation, Trump stated that the United States remains ready for military action. He did not specify whether the attack plan included strikes on Iran's energy facilities.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held telephone conversations with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan and Pakistan's Army Chief Asim Munir. The parties discussed security and stability in the region. Araghchi had previously warned that Iran would respond to any potential actions by the US and Israel.
According to CNN, the US Central Command is also reviewing its strategy of pressure on Tehran. One senior official from the command has asked military analysts to propose new "creative and unconventional" ways to influence Iran.
CENTCOM reported that, as of August 2, US forces have rerouted 35 commercial vessels, disabled two vessels, and boarded two others. These operations are taking place amid the struggle for control over maritime traffic near Iran and through the Strait of Hormuz.
The prolonged standoff has already caused disruptions in global shipping and oil production. A previous ceasefire between the US and Iran fell through last month, after which the sides returned to mutual attacks.
Based on materials from: CNN, US Central Command
