Trump Halts War.. Iran Stops Gulf Strikes
Washington – Agencies: US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said yesterday that US President Donald Trump is giving Iran negotiations a chance, while Tehran announced it would halt its attacks on Gulf states. Waltz told Fox News that President Trump is providing an outlet for the talks and granting them a limited opportunity.
For its part, Reuters quoted a senior Iranian source as saying, “We will stop the attacks if Washington continues to halt its strikes.” The source added, a day after Washington suspended its attacks following 13 consecutive nights of strikes, “Iran’s position remains one of reciprocity. If the attacks stop, Iran will also halt its operations. We have conveyed this message to the United States.” He further noted that there is more skepticism than optimism regarding the cessation of attacks, and the prevailing view is that this halt is tactical rather than genuine.
Earlier yesterday, Iran announced progress in talks it is holding with the Sultanate of Oman regarding the management of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for oil and gas trade over which both countries share jurisdiction on their respective banks. Ismail Baghaei, spokesperson for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that several rounds of technical talks were held on Friday and Saturday in the capital, Tehran, between the deputy foreign ministers of Iran and Oman. He clarified that the discussions focused on shared principles and operational mechanisms for ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, respecting the sovereign rights of the two littoral states.
Baghaei described the talks as useful, confirming that progress had been made, and added that technical and political consultations between the two sides are still ongoing.
The US news website Axios reported that the Pentagon presented a plan to Donald Trump to complete the attacks, but the president declined to approve it, preferring to resume negotiations. The report added that Trump ordered the suspension of strikes after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran to hold talks on a new arrangement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Baghaei also confirmed that there had been no change in the status of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.
