President Trump said the U.S. and Iran are "having good talks" and warned military strikes would resume if diplomacy fails. The White House paused a two-week bombing campaign after 13 consecutive nights of strikes, with U.S. commanders saying they had exhausted meaningful targets. Iran acknowledged mediated contacts but denied seeking talks even as Iran-aligned proxies launched drone attacks that Saudi Arabia intercepted. Oil prices plunged and a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed Trump's approval at 37%.
Trump Says U.S. and Iran Are ‘Having Good Talks’ as Drone Attacks Continue — Ceasefire Paused After 13 Nights of Strikes
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President Donald Trump delivered an unexpected update on talks with Iran amid rising tensions across the Gulf following a wave of drone attacks. Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States and Iran are "having good talks" and suggested "there is a good chance that something could happen" — while warning that U.S. military strikes would resume if diplomacy fails, according to Reuters.
Temporary Halt To Strikes
The White House abruptly paused a two-week aerial bombing campaign against Iran on Saturday after 13 consecutive nights of strikes aimed at southern Iranian infrastructure. U.S. military leaders reportedly told the president they had exhausted the list of meaningful targets, contributing to the decision to suspend further strikes for now.
Trump’s Tough Rhetoric And Negotiation Signals
At a campaign event in Michigan, Trump struck a harsher tone toward Tehran:
"You can't bribe them. You've got to beat them, and we'll beat the hell out of them."He also reiterated that "very friendly negotiations" were underway between the two sides.
Tehran’s Response
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei acknowledged that indirect communications have continued through mediators but denied that Tehran actively sought the talks, calling such reports "fabricated." A separate senior Iranian official said Iran would pause its own attacks during the U.S. ceasefire.
Proxy Strikes And Regional Fallout
Despite diplomatic signals, Iran-aligned proxies launched strikes across the Gulf on Monday. Saudi Arabia intercepted drones targeting petroleum infrastructure, including facilities near Riyadh, and Yemen's Houthi movement claimed responsibility for an attack on a major Saudi oil pipeline.
Market And Political Reactions
Global oil markets reacted sharply to the ceasefire and talk of diplomacy: U.S. crude fell 8.21% to $81.98 per barrel during Monday trading, while Brent crude dropped 9.31% to $87.77 per barrel. A Reuters/Ipsos weekend poll put Trump's approval rating at 37%, up three points, and found that roughly one in three Americans supported the military campaign against Iran.
What Comes Next
Analysts say the situation remains fragile: diplomatic backchannels and paused strikes reduce immediate escalation risk, but intermittent proxy attacks and hardline rhetoric keep the prospect of renewed military action alive if talks collapse.
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