President Donald Trump announced Sunday that negotiations between the United States and Iran will resume Monday afternoon, following his decision to halt a planned military operation to pursue diplomatic efforts instead.
Trump told reporters that the postponement came after requests from regional allies and Iran itself to delay military action while talks proceed on a broader agreement.
"I was asked to [call off the strikes] by Saudi Arabia, the UAE, by Qatar, and by Iran. We are all set to go, at about this time right now. It would have been a massive attack," Trump said. He added that when allies requested the delay, "you gotta say, 'Well, let's see.' The allies think there is a deal. There is a deal on Hormuz, and it will be a deal on the denuclearization of Iran."
On the timing of negotiations, Trump stated: "We are talking to them. It begins tomorrow afternoon. It would save a lot of people's lives."
When asked whether Iran faces a deadline to reach an agreement, Trump did not specify one, saying: "We will see. Would I rather make a deal? I am not looking to kill people. Because people die. A lot of people die. We don't want that."
Trump had announced on Truth Social the previous night that he was canceling the planned military operation after being told an agreement's framework had been reached, while emphasizing Iran must act quickly to finalize terms.
"The U.S.A. is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II. Despite this, we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to," Trump wrote, citing demands including opening of the Hormuz Strait and an end to Iran's nuclear program.
He concluded: "Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL."
The announcement followed calls from Saudi Arabia's crown prince urging de-escalation and military restraint, according to reporting that cited U.S. Officials and sources familiar with the conversation.