Trump expects talks with Iran to resume in coming week

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that he anticipates resuming talks with Iran within the upcoming week, following his rejection of a truce proposal presented by Tehran. During an interview with Axios, Trump stated that the Iranian leaders are eager to reach an agreement, but it would not resemble the deal he would have consented to a year ago.

Iran had submitted a proposal to the US on Friday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Trump dismissed it, asserting that Iranian leaders desired the deal due to their dire situation. Axios reported that indirect talks between Washington and Tehran might commence as early as Monday, facilitated by Qatari mediators. The negotiations would follow discreet discussions between US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, alongside Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, held during the UN General Assembly in New York.

Trump mentioned that a substantial amount of oil since the war's inception had navigated through the strait, surpassing 20 million barrels over the weekend. This maritime route, responsible for one-fifth of the world's oil and gas prior to the conflict, is central to the dispute initiated by US and Israeli strikes on Iran in late February.

Iran has asserted dominance over the strait, while the US has responded by imposing a blockade on Iranian ports. When inquired about the possibility of resuming strikes against Iran, Trump replied, "I am always thinking about it." According to The Wall Street Journal, the US president is contemplating resuming strikes on Iran post the November 3 midterm elections, as he deals with mounting public opposition to the war in the Middle East, resulting in soaring fuel prices.