Donald Trump just dropped a major update on Iran, and it’s not what anyone expected.
The president shared his latest stance on negotiations with Tehran. This comes amid escalating tensions across the Gulf region.
Donald Trump says US and Tehran are having ‘good talks’
President Donald Trump stated the United States and Iran are “having good talks” regarding their ongoing conflict, as reported by Reuters. He expressed optimism, saying there is “a good chance that something could happen” between the two nations. However, he cautioned that American military strikes would restart if diplomacy fails to deliver outcomes.
The White House abruptly halted a two-week aerial bombing campaign against Iran on Saturday. The operation had spanned 13 straight nights of escalating strikes targeting southern Iranian infrastructure. U.S. military leaders reportedly told Trump they had exhausted the list of meaningful targets.
Speaking at a campaign event in Michigan later on Monday, Trump adopted a firmer stance. “You can’t bribe them. You’ve got to beat them, and we’ll beat the hell out of them,” he declared. He also noted that “very friendly negotiations” were actively underway between both countries.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei acknowledged that indirect communication has continued through mediators. Still, he rejected claims that Tehran had sought out the negotiations, calling such reports “fabricated.” Separately, a senior Iranian official confirmed Iran would pause its own attacks during Trump’s ceasefire.
Despite the diplomatic signals, Iran’s regional proxies launched strikes on Monday across the Gulf. Saudi Arabia intercepted drones targeting petroleum infrastructure, including sites near the capital Riyadh. Yemen’s Houthi movement also claimed responsibility for striking a key Saudi oil pipeline.
Global oil markets reacted sharply to the ceasefire and Trump’s remarks about ongoing diplomacy. U.S. crude dropped 8.21% to $81.98 per barrel during Monday’s trading session. Brent crude similarly fell 9.31% to $87.77 per barrel on the same day.
Meanwhile, a Reuters/Ipsos weekend poll placed Trump’s approval rating at 37%, up three points. Just one in three Americans expressed support for the military campaign against Iran.
Originally reported by Vritti Johar on Mandatory.
