By Soumya Ranjan Iran Israel War Update: Despite Trump’s announcement of a five-day halt to strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure, Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is allegedly open to discussions with the United States and may be willing to negotiate peace.
According to an Al Arabiya report quoting Israeli media, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has decided to engage in talks with the United States and explore a possible agreement, indicating a potential diplomatic breakthrough despite the ongoing war.
The news coincides with US President Donald Trump’s announcement that discussions between Washington and Tehran over the last day produced what he called “major points of agreement.”
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Trump stated that talks started on Sunday and were anticipated to continue, increasing the likelihood of a short-term deal to halt the conflict. He also mentioned that the discussions with Iranian officials included his son-in-law and close advisor Jared Kushner, as well as his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff.
Trump stated that Iran “had some leaders left” and that the US was “dealing with the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader.”
Iran’s Fars news agency, however, provided a different picture of the diplomatic engagement by citing a source who denied any direct or indirect connection with the United States.
Trump suggests a potential agreement in a few days
Trump stated that talks have been going on but have now moved into a more serious stage, suggesting that a breakthrough would occur soon.
He later stated in Memphis, Tennessee, “We’ve been negotiating with Iran for a long time, and this time, they mean business.”
Washington was granting a five-day opening for more negotiations, he continued. “We’ll see where it goes once we give it five days. And I think it might end up being a very terrific agreement for everyone at the end of this term,” Trump stated.
Trump delays energy infrastructure attacks
Additionally, Trump retracted his earlier threat to attack Iran’s power network, stating that any attacks on energy infrastructure and power plants will be delayed.
The action came after Iran threatened to attack Israeli infrastructure and power plants that supply US bases in the Gulf if Washington attacked Iran’s electrical grid.
Trump had earlier threatened to destroy Iranian power plants if Tehran did not completely reopen the Strait of Hormuz to shipping within 48 hours, with Monday night being the deadline.
The Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway that transports about a fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, has been severely affected by Iranian efforts.
Trump stated that if negotiations are successful, the Strait will be “opened very soon” and that it may be “jointly controlled,” but he did not say by whom.