After a return to full-scale war was threatened, the US president Donald Trump is giving the negotiations room to progress – renewing hopes of negotiations on a ceasefire.
Mike Waltz, US ambassador to the United Nations, told “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” the president is “giving diplomacy some space … a little bit of time.”
Brennan referred to the recent cessation of airstrikes in the region after 13 consecutive days of bombing, asking if this pause was intended to facilitate diplomatic efforts in Tehran aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Waltz confirmed that the halt in bombing was allowing for diplomatic discussions to proceed and reiterated the president’s commitment to pursuing peace through diplomatic channels while ensuring military readiness in the region.
He indicated that additional military assets are being deployed, underscoring the administration’s preparedness to respond to threats.
When pressed further about the specifics of the diplomatic discussions, Waltz clarified that talks were ongoing at various levels, addressing both the nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz, and that the bombing had stopped to create room for these negotiations.
“The diplomacy has not stopped. We’ll see over the next coming days,” he said. However, he did not rule out the possibility of resuming military action if deemed necessary, leaving that decision for the president to make based on the outcomes of ongoing discussions.
“Well, I’m not going to take that option off the table for the president. That’s up to him. Let’s see how these conversations go.”
Waltz also dismissed reports that there is a shortage of interceptors, but experts have questioned how long both the US and Iran can afford to keep up attacks.
“I also want to address this nonsense that somehow we don’t have the assets that we need. Not only do we have what we need in theater, there’s more moving into theatre,” he said.
Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, responding Monday to reporters’ questions about Iran-Oman talks on the Strait of Hormuz, said that several rounds of negotiations were held in Tehran on Friday and Saturday between deputy foreign ministers of the two countries.
He also responded to a question about the current situation in the Strait of Hormuz, stating that no changes have occurred in the status of maritime traffic through the Strait.
US blockade remains in force
US Central Command (CENTCOM) continues enforcement of the maritime blockade on Iranian ports.
US naval forces continue boarding vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports, while allowing commercial traffic bound for non-Iranian destinations to transit the Strait of Hormuz.
Boardings and diversions continue: In an update on Monday, CENTCOM said it redirected 17 commercial vessels, disabled 2, and boarded 2 to ensure compliance with the U.S. blockade against Iran.
Embassy of India in Tehran: 28 crew members safe after attack on LPG tanker
India’s embassy in Tehran said it is in close contact with authorities after a liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanker, with 28 Indian crew members onboard, came under attack in Iranian territorial waters on Friday.
The embassy confirmed that the Indian crew members are safe and that it continues to monitor the situation closely, according to a statement posted on X.
