US President Trump told Axios on Monday that he decided to pause U.S. strikes on Iran in order to give negotiations another chance, but stressed that he could order a return to expanded military operations if diplomacy fails.
Trump told Axios that talks with Iran are underway and that the window for reaching an agreement is limited. “Either it goes fast or not at all,” he said, adding that Washington would return to “very strong military action” if negotiations do not succeed.
The discussions are focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reviving efforts toward a broader nuclear agreement. Negotiations are being led mainly by Iran and Oman, with involvement from Qatar, Pakistan, Egypt and US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
Trump said he decided to halt strikes after regional countries and mediators urged him to give diplomacy another chance. He said he believed Iran was interested in reaching a deal and described the pause as a move with “nothing gained, nothing lost.”
The US president ordered the military to suspend planned strikes on Friday after receiving a new attack plan from senior advisers and military officials. The pause marked the first break in US attacks after nearly two weeks of military escalation.
Oman said discussions with regional partners are continuing on arrangements to ensure safe maritime navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. Omani Foreign Minister Badr Al-Busaidi held talks with officials from Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Egypt on possible solutions.
Regional sources said talks have made progress but no agreement has yet been reached. One proposal under discussion involves possible service fees related to maritime security and environmental protection, potentially managed through a regional or international framework.
Trump is also scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where Iran’s nuclear program and regional security developments are expected to be discussed.
