President Donald Trump has held off on another major U.S. attack on Iran as diplomatic efforts intensify to bring the escalating conflict to an end.
Trump said talks aimed at ending the war would begin Monday after discussions with leaders in the Middle East helped persuade him not to order what he had described as a potentially “massive” new round of strikes. Gulf nations have been pushing for de-escalation as fighting threatens regional security, energy markets, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
But there is already disagreement over exactly what those negotiations involve. Iranian officials said Monday that no direct talks with the United States were underway or planned, while indicating discussions with Oman were focused on navigation and security in the region.
The diplomatic push marks a significant shift after weeks of U.S. strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation across the Middle East. The Strait of Hormuz remains a central concern because a substantial share of the world’s oil moves through the narrow waterway, making continued instability there a risk far beyond the region.
Markets responded quickly to the possibility of de-escalation. Oil prices fell sharply Monday after Trump backed away from a planned attack, reflecting hopes that diplomacy could reduce the threat to Gulf energy supplies and shipping.
Whether the effort produces a broader agreement remains uncertain. But for now, Washington has moved away from another immediate military escalation while regional governments push both sides toward a negotiated end to the conflict.
