Trump Optimistic on Iran Deal as Ceasefire Holds for Third Day
US President Donald Trump expressed optimism on Monday about the possibility of a negotiated peace deal with Iran, as both sides maintained a pause in hostilities for a third consecutive day.
The fighting, which had been ongoing since late February following a wave of US-Israeli strikes, paused early Saturday after 13 nights of renewed US strikes on Iran. The strikes were triggered by a breakdown in diplomacy over Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Speaking aboard Air Force One, Trump said, 'I have a lot of patience... We'll see what happens. I think there is a good chance that something could happen.' He added that mediating countries had asked him to hold fire to give diplomacy a chance, noting that 'we are in very deep talks with Iran.'
However, Iran denied any direct negotiations. Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei stated, 'Mediators may convey messages from the American side to us regarding current developments in the region. But at present, we are not engaged in any negotiations with the United States.'
Trump warned that if the new efforts fail, 'we go back to doing what we were doing' before the pause. He also dismissed concerns about US ammunition stockpiles, saying, 'We have a lot of ammunition... more than we could ever use no matter what.'
Despite the lull, Saudi Arabia came under attack on Monday. Its defence ministry said it intercepted several drones fired by Iran-linked groups in Iraq targeting oil facilities. No group claimed responsibility, but Riyadh called on Baghdad to prevent such attacks from its territory. Pakistan, which has been mediating a resolution to the conflict, condemned the drone attacks as a 'grave threat to peace and stability.'
Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels also claimed drone attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure in response to Saudi drone incursions. Riyadh has not commented on the claim. Earlier in the conflict, Gulf nations accused pro-Iran militias in Iraq of launching waves of attacks, but no such attacks were claimed since hostilities resumed.
The Israeli military, not involved in recent fighting, said it intercepted two drones near the Jordanian border and was investigating their origin.
Global stock markets rallied and oil prices tumbled on Monday after the pause in strikes. International benchmark Brent crude dropped six percent to around $86 a barrel, bringing respite to Gulf shipping and the oil industry.
Control of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key hurdle. Iran insists on managing the crucial oil and gas conduit, and its Revolutionary Guards have been stopping vessels in recent days. State television reported that six ships had sailed outside Iran's designated route. Tehran said it held talks with Oman on 'common principles and operational mechanisms' for safe passage. In June, Oman and Iran discussed imposing service fees, which Washington opposes. Oman angered Iran by suggesting vessels could transit via its waters, prompting Iranian attacks on ships.
Iran's foreign ministry said the US was not involved in recent discussions with Oman, and Baqaei criticised Washington instead.
