I Will Decide If US Engages With Iran—Trump

US President Donald Trump has said he will decide whether the United States will engage with Iran, while leaving open the possibility of talks with Tehran.

Trump made the statement on Monday as he claimed Iran was seeking a deal with Washington “quickly and badly”.

“The failing Nation of Iran wants to make a deal, quickly and badly,” Trump said in a post on his Truth Social platform.

“I will determine whether or not the U.S.A. will choose to engage. The concept of which we are open to,” he added.

Trump’s comments signal a possible diplomatic opening after months of conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

However, he did not confirm that Washington had agreed to negotiations or provide details of what a potential agreement would involve.

The comments came as efforts to hold talks involving Iran and Gulf Arab states over the Strait of Hormuz were postponed.

Oman had been expected to host the meeting on Monday, but its foreign minister said the talks had been delayed. Iran said Saudi Arabia had requested the postponement.

The Strait of Hormuz has remained largely closed amid the conflict, disrupting one of the world’s most important routes for oil shipments and raising concerns about further pressure on global energy supplies.

Reuters reported that oil prices rose by more than 4% when markets reopened on Monday before later paring some gains.

Trump had also said over the weekend that he expected the war with Iran to continue into the period around the November US elections, although he has now indicated that Washington remains open to the possibility of engagement with Tehran.