US President Donald Trump stated on Monday that “very friendly negotiations” are currently in progress regarding the ongoing conflict with Iran. The remarks follow a three-day period during which both nations have refrained from conducting military strikes.
Speaking to reporters while traveling on Air Force One, the president expressed hope for a resolution, noting, “I think there’s a good chance that something could happen.” However, he cautioned that the United States would resume its previous military posture if the current diplomatic efforts do not succeed. Conversely, officials in Tehran have publicly denied that any direct negotiations are occurring.
The current cessation of hostilities follows nearly two weeks of intensified combat that effectively ended a ceasefire agreement established in June. The US military previously stated its operations were intended to protect commercial shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz. Following the news of the pause, global oil prices experienced a decline of over 9%, reaching $87.59 per barrel.
Addressing concerns regarding military readiness, President Trump dismissed reports suggesting that US ammunition supplies are depleting after five months of conflict. He asserted that the nation possesses significant stockpiles and is actively increasing the production of equipment, specifically Patriot anti-ballistic missile systems. White House spokesperson Anna Kelly echoed these sentiments, stating that the military maintains sufficient munitions to meet strategic objectives.
The conflict, which began on February 28 with joint US and Israeli strikes, has seen significant escalation, including Iranian retaliatory attacks on US bases in the Gulf and Israel. While a memorandum of understanding was signed in June to halt operations, the agreement collapsed in July following attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a resumption of US air strikes and a naval blockade.
Source: BBC News
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