Trump to Axios: I'm ready for "strong military action" if Iran talks fail
President Trump confirmed on Monday that he paused military strikes against Iranian targets to provide a window for diplomatic negotiations. This decision follows a request from regional mediators who urged the administration to hold fire. While the pause is in effect, the president warned that his readiness for strong military action remains if these discussions do not produce rapid results.
The current diplomatic efforts involve key players including Oman, Qatar, Pakistan, and Egypt. Trump’s envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are actively participating in the talks. The primary objective centers on securing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and restarting broader nuclear negotiations. Reports suggest that discussions are exploring maritime security models similar to the Strait of Malacca, where regional nations could manage vessel services and security fees.
Trump noted that the decision to delay strikes occurred after consultations with military officials and advisers last Friday. He observed positive immediate reactions to the pause, citing a drop in oil prices and gains in the stock market. Despite the shift toward diplomacy, the president maintains a strict timeline for progress, stating that the situation must move fast or the window will close entirely.
The White House schedule includes a meeting on Tuesday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Discussions are expected to address the status of the Iranian nuclear program and regional security interests. As negotiations continue through mediators, the administration remains positioned to shift back to combat operations if the proposed maritime arrangements fail to materialize.