Trump Says US-Iran Talks To Begin As Tehran Urges Washington To Honour Agreement.
Fresh diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the United States and Iran are expected to begin after US President Donald Trump announced that negotiations are scheduled to start on Monday, describing a potential agreement as being within reach.
However, Iranian officials have offered a more cautious assessment. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran is not currently holding direct talks with the United States, stressing that Washington must first honour its previous commitments before any meaningful progress can be made.
The latest developments come after the United States reportedly postponed planned military strikes against Iranian targets following diplomatic appeals from regional allies seeking to avoid another escalation. Trump said diplomacy had created an opportunity to resolve outstanding disputes without further military action.
One of the key issues remains the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic shipping route through which a significant share of the world's oil exports passes. Iranian officials confirmed discussions with Oman on arrangements for maritime navigation, but maintained that wider issues must be resolved before normal conditions can return.
Iran has continued to insist that the United States must fully implement the previously agreed memorandum of understanding (MoU) before expecting further cooperation. Officials argue that trust can only be rebuilt if both sides fulfil their commitments under earlier agreements.
Financial markets reacted positively to renewed hopes of diplomacy. Oil prices fell after Trump's announcement that negotiations would replace immediate military action, with investors anticipating a reduced risk of disruption to global energy supplies.
Despite the diplomatic momentum, analysts warn that significant differences remain over Iran's nuclear programme, regional security, sanctions, and maritime access. They caution that while negotiations represent an important step, a comprehensive agreement will require substantial compromises from both governments.
As preparations continue for the proposed talks, international attention remains focused on whether diplomacy can prevent further conflict. While Washington has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, Tehran maintains that genuine progress depends on the United States demonstrating its commitment to previously agreed obligations.
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