Trump says new Iran talks set to start, calls off strikes

US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that new talks with Iran are set to commence, after he decided to postpone military strikes on the country in order to pursue a peaceful resolution. The negotiations will primarily focus on the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global energy supplies that has been a major point of contention in the ongoing conflict.

Iran has reportedly reached an agreement with Oman regarding a new route through the strait, amid heightened tensions following a recent explosion reported near a tanker in the area. The United States and Iran have been at war since February 28, when both the US and Israel carried out unannounced strikes against Iran. However, intermittent diplomacy has led to temporary periods of relative calm.

Concerns have risen that hostilities could flare up once more, following renewed strikes a month ago. Initially, President Trump had threatened to retaliate against Iran "very harshly," considering possible attacks on Iran's energy infrastructure. However, he announced on Saturday that he would be engaging in discussions with Iran and key US allies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, to avoid such strikes.

The US president cited the perceived threat to the "perimeters" of a deal as the reason for the shift in approach. Despite denying this claim, Iranian media stated that Tehran had not asked Trump to refrain from strikes. Meanwhile, Iranian lawmaker Hassan Ghashghavi revealed that mediators are attempting to revive a previously agreed memorandum of understanding on June, which aimed to serve as a preliminary step towards a comprehensive agreement.

The deal encompassed provisions concerning the Strait of Hormuz; however, Iran has since tightened its control over the waterway, charging tolls and insisting on exclusive control.