CAIRO (AP) - U.S. President Donald Trump stated that fresh negotiations to conclude the fighting in Iran are set to begin on Monday. This comes after he revealed he is delaying the extensive strikes he had previously warned about directing at the country.

The discussions aim to halt the conflict and restore halted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage that carried roughly one-fifth of global oil and natural gas trade prior to the war.

Iranian state outlets reported the foreign ministry declaring that Tehran is not engaged in any current talks with the United States.

In other news, Israel carried out strikes across the Gaza Strip over the weekend, shortly after the U.S. and Hamas announced an agreement for the militant group to lay down arms, marking a possible move toward peace in Gaza.

Medical facilities in Gaza reported at least 17 deaths from the weekend attacks, among them children. One strike hit a residential building in southern Gaza, killing three relatives including a 4-year-old, according to Nasser hospital staff who received the victims.

The Israeli military confirmed the targets were militants.

Below is a summary of key events across the Middle East today.

Trump Reveals Plans for Fresh Negotiations

Trump noted Sunday that he opted against major strikes on Iran following advice from Gulf partners Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. He described a prepared operation for U.S. forces to launch what would have been the largest attack since World War II, yet chose to extend diplomatic efforts after input from Gulf leaders and requests from unnamed Iranian officials.

"We are now engaging them through negotiations that start tomorrow afternoon," he said. He offered no extra specifics on participants.

Trump has repeatedly threatened major strikes only to withdraw them later, with such reversals frequently followed by resumed fighting. These sudden changes have marked the five-month war that disrupted global markets and drove up costs for fuel and essentials.

Iran Holds Talks with Oman Over Trade Passage

The Iranian Foreign Ministry confirmed Tehran is not in negotiations with the United States at present.

Spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Monday that current discussions involve Oman, the nation across the strait, and focus solely on creating a temporary safe passage for vessels.

Nine ships crossed the strait Sunday, most via an Iranian-managed route, based on data from trade platform Kpler.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reached Iraq's holy city of Najaf on Monday for Arbaeen commemorations, an annual Shiite pilgrimage, his office announced via social media.

Araghchi's visit occurs as Iraq balances relations between Iran and the U.S., a task made harder since the U.S. and Israel entered conflict with Iran in February.

Syrian and Iraqi Officials Address Security Issues

Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and Iraq's Kurdish regional president met Monday to explore greater cooperation and support for regional stability.

The talks between al-Sharaa and Nechirvan Barzani took place amid tensions, with Iranian-backed Iraqi militias launching several drone attacks on American sites in Iraq, including the Kurdish area.

Syrian state media noted last month that border authorities stopped a June smuggling attempt of weapons thought destined for the Iranian-backed Hezbollah group in Lebanon. Hezbollah rejected the accusations.

Iran Carries Out Executions of Two Alleged Israeli Spies

Iran's judiciary announced the execution of two men Monday after finding them guilty of spying for Israel during last year's 12-day war and the current conflict.

The judiciary's Mizan news agency named the men as Omid Behzad and Pouria Safvat, accused of supplying military details, photos and other intelligence for strikes on Iranian sites. The location of the executions was not disclosed.

Last week Iran publicly executed two men convicted of killing four police officers amid nationwide protests in January.

Gaza Residents Endure Heat in Temporary Shelters

High summer temperatures in Gaza have transformed plastic-sheet tents housing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians into stifling heat traps. The shelters absorb daytime heat and provide poor airflow, compelling families to remain outdoors for hours.

The harsh conditions worsen an already severe humanitarian situation. Limited clean water, power and sanitation in crowded camps lead to problems with insects and disease. Groups such as the Norwegian Refugee Council caution that these factors increase risks of dehydration, heat illness and infections including skin issues and diarrhea.

"It is extremely hot. We cannot remain inside the tents. Our shelter is nylon," said Aida Abu Hadeesha, displaced from Rafah near Egypt. "There is no air movement, and our children are struggling," she added, noting the heat persists through the night. "Flies and cockroaches swarm us."