According to The Wall Street Journal, Donald Trump delayed plans to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure after behind-the-scenes diplomatic discussions. Arab states are seeking ways to end the war, and Egyptian intelligence officials reportedly succeeded in establishing contact with Iran’s Revolutionary Guard.
Foreign ministers from Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan gathered in Riyadh last Thursday for talks. According to Arab officials familiar with the matter, they faced a major challenge: finding a negotiating partner within Iran.
Egyptian intelligence officials eventually managed to establish contact with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. They proposed a five-day pause in hostilities to pave the way for a ceasefire. The impact of these discussions was later felt in Washington.
As recently as Saturday, Trump had threatened to strike Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened within 48 hours. However, on Monday, Trump stated that the two sides had held “very good and productive” discussions.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Trump’s shift in position was driven by closed-door talks. People familiar with the matter said it also reflects a growing desire among Trump and some of his advisers to end the conflict.
“These are sensitive diplomatic discussions, and the United States will not negotiate through the press. This is a fluid situation, and speculation about meetings should not be considered final until officially announced by the White House,” said White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Trump’s latest announcement to delay strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure boosted Wall Street markets. Oil prices fell on Monday, with Brent crude dropping by 11 percent.
However, Arab mediators remain skeptical that the United States and Iran can reach a quick agreement, noting that the positions of both sides remain far apart. Iranian authorities stated that no negotiations have taken place, and the country’s foreign ministry also denied any talks.
Despite this, media reports suggest that U.S. and Iranian representatives may meet in the near future. Trump himself signaled openness to negotiations.
“We are dealing with some very reasonable, very firm people. People among them know who they are, they are highly respected, and maybe one of them is exactly who we are looking for. Look at Venezuela, how well that is working,” Trump said.
The United States may be represented in talks by Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner and special envoy Steve Witkoff. Some U.S. officials also indicated that Vice President JD Vance could attend if an agreement is reached.
According to officials, Vance spoke on Monday with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Washington also confirmed that Trump spoke with Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir. Trump stated that the U.S. has been in contact with a senior Iranian official respected in Tehran, though he did not disclose the name.
Media reports also suggest that the U.S. may be holding talks with Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf. Nicole Grajewski, a fellow at the Carnegie Endowment’s nuclear policy program, said Ghalibaf is one of the few remaining senior officials capable of persuading Iran’s political leadership and hardliners to accept a deal.