US President Donald Trump on Monday expressed optimism about the prospects of a diplomatic breakthrough with Iran, saying there was a “good chance” ongoing efforts to restart negotiations could produce
results, even as a fragile pause in hostilities between the two countries entered its third day.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he remained willing to give diplomacy an opportunity despite warning that military action could resume if talks failed.
“I have a lot of patience… We’ll see what happens. I think there is a good chance that something could happen,” Trump said when asked about negotiations with Tehran.
The US president added that Iran had sought to de-escalate tensions and reopen channels of communication.
“They asked us very nicely, ‘Please stop, let’s meet.’ And that’s where we are right now. We’ll see what happens. If we don’t make a deal, we go back to the same thing,” he said.
Third Day Without Direct US-Iran Strikes
The comments came as the United States and Iran refrained from launching direct attacks against each other for a third consecutive day following nearly two weeks of intense hostilities.
The latest conflict erupted after diplomatic efforts over Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz collapsed, triggering renewed US military strikes on Iranian targets. The confrontation has heightened tensions across the Middle East and rattled global energy markets.
While Trump’s administration has indicated that the pause in military action is intended to create space for diplomacy, Tehran denied that direct negotiations with Washington are currently underway.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said mediators were relaying messages between the two sides, but no formal talks were taking place.
“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,” Baqaei said.
Trump Warns Military Option Remains on Table
Despite his optimistic tone,Trump reiterated that the United States would not wait indefinitely for a diplomatic solution.
According to Axios, Trump said countries acting as intermediaries had urged him to hold fire while efforts continued behind the scenes.
“We are in very deep talks with Iran,” Trump said, adding that if negotiations failed, Washington could return to “very strong military action.”
Oil Prices Fall As Markets Welcome Pause
Financial markets responded positively to the temporary easing of tensions.
Global stock markets advanced, while oil prices declined sharply amid hopes that a wider regional conflict could be avoided. International benchmark Brent crude fell more than four per cent to around $87 per barrel, reflecting reduced fears of supply disruptions.
Strait of Hormuz Remains Key Flashpoint
Despite the lull in fighting, the future of the Strait of Hormuz remains a major obstacle to any lasting agreement.
Iran has maintained that it retains authority over shipping arrangements in the strategically vital waterway, through which a significant share of the world’s oil and gas supplies pass. Iranian authorities have recently stopped several vessels accused of deviating from designated transit routes.
Tehran also confirmed recent discussions with Oman on mechanisms to ensure maritime security and shipping operations in the region. However, Iranian officials stressed that the United States was not involved in those talks.
Baqaei accused Washington of undermining trust through its actions in recent years.
“So long as such behaviour by the United States continues, we cannot be hopeful about the emergence of a reasonable process,” he said.
With both sides signalling openness to diplomacy while simultaneously keeping military options available, the coming days are expected to determine whether the current pause evolves into meaningful negotiations or merely a temporary break in a wider confrontation.
