In brief
President Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One that ‘very friendly negotiations’ are underway to resolve the conflict with Iran, following a three‑day lull in strikes. He remains optimistic that hostilities could end, yet warns that Washington would resume pre‑pause operations if talks fail. Tehran denies any direct engagement, but the U.S. has declared it will keep ample munitions stockpiled while still pressuring defense contractors. The pause follows two weeks of daily U.S. air strikes and Iranian retaliatory attacks, and comes after a memorandum of understanding in June aimed at restoring the Strait of Hormuz and ending the war. Oil prices briefly fell more than 9% as markets hoped for de‑escalation.
President Donald Trump assured reporters aboard Air Force One that “there are very friendly negotiations going on” about the escalation with Iran. The statement came after a lull in attacks that marked the third consecutive day with no new U.S. strikes or Iranian retaliation.
“It’s possible we might find a solution while we’re keeping our forces in the green,” he said, noting the pause was a “good chance” the war could end. Trump warned that Washington would go back to the pre‑pause mode if talks collapsed.
Iran denies any direct engagement. The President’s pause followed Friday’s order to halt U.S. air strikes after mediators requested a chance for talks.
The White House confirms ample ammunition stockpiles: “We have a lot of ammunition, more than we would ever use, no matter what,” spokesperson Anna Kelly added.
The ceasefire pause follows the U.S. and Israel’s February strikes, Iran’s missile and drone attacks on U.S. bases in the Gulf, and a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices dipped more than 9% to $87.59 a barrel as markets hoped for de‑escalation.
Source: Reuters and BBC
