Trump Claims Iran Initiated War Talks & Reached Key Agreements

President Donald Trump announced Monday he is postponing military strikes against Iran in response to what he described as productive conversations initiated by Tehran. The decision comes after Trump had threatened “total destruction” of Iran if it did not allow free passage through a vital waterway used for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas traffic.

Speaking as he prepared to board Air Force One, Trump asserted that Iran had sought the discussions regarding potential military conflict. He stated that contacts with Iran are ongoing and that the U.S. Has identified “strong points of agreement” with the Iranian government. “If a deal is made, it will be a great start for Iran and the region,” Trump said, even as likewise acknowledging he could not “guarantee” a final agreement.

The conversations, according to Trump, began Sunday and are being led on the U.S. Side by Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. He noted that both men were previously involved in indirect negotiations with Tehran concerning Iran’s nuclear program prior to the current escalation.

Trump’s announcement of the postponed strikes followed an earlier statement that he was preparing attacks targeting Iranian power plants and electrical infrastructure. The delay is for a period of five days, intended to allow for continued dialogue.

Though, Iranian news agencies Fars and Tasnim, both linked to the Iranian government, reported that no direct or indirect talks with the United States regarding conflict have taken place. Responding to this denial, Trump suggested, “Maybe they haven’t gotten the report yet. They have communications disrupted by the war, you know.”

In a separate interview with Fox Business, Trump claimed that “Iran really wants to develop a deal” and suggested a resolution “could happen in the next five days.”