US and Iran to restart talks Monday on reopening Strait of Hormuz and denuclearization, Trump says

The US paused strikes on Iran that would have ranked as the largest since World War II and proved disastrous for Tehran, Trump noted.

US President Donald Trump speaks to the media aboard Air Force One en route to Joint Base Andrews, in Maryland, US, August 2, 2026.

(photo credit: REUTERS/Daniel Heuer)

ByESTHER DAVIS

AUGUST 3, 2026 01:12

Updated: AUGUST 3, 2026 02:22

US President Donald Trump stated that fresh talks between Washington and Tehran will open Monday afternoon while addressing reporters on Air Force One on Sunday.

Trump noted that planned military action against Iran over the weekend was halted after negotiators from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar contacted him to report that an agreement appeared close on both the Hormuz Strait and the eventual denuclearization of Iran.

When informed of the progress, Trump said he questioned whether the US should proceed with such intense measures, noting that some advisers favored moving ahead with strikes while others preferred restraint.

The President added that the Saudi Crown Prince urged him to delay any attack, warning that results could prove uncertain and trigger numerous negative consequences.

Planned US strikes on Iran would have ranked among largest since WWII

Trump said US forces stood ready for a large-scale operation that could have saved many lives if avoided through successful talks.

The US had prepared an assault on Iran that would have been the largest since World War II and highly damaging to the country, Trump explained.

The President set no firm deadline for reaching an agreement with Iran, yet he stressed that the US retains the option to act at any moment.

He expressed a preference for a negotiated outcome over continued military action, telling reporters he is not seeking to cause deaths, though the planned strikes would have resulted in many casualties.

On Saturday night Trump called on Truth Social for an immediate agreement with Iran that would require the full and immediate reopening of the Hormuz Strait along with an end to Iran's nuclear program.

He described the US as fully prepared to respond to Iran with unprecedented military force not seen since World War II, yet he agreed to suspend the operation provided Iran moves quickly toward a deal.