THE HAGUE, June 25: U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that the United States will hold direct talks with Iran next week, in a move that could signal a major diplomatic shift following recent military escalations in the Middle East.
“We’re going to talk to them next week, with Iran. We may sign an agreement,” Trump said at a press conference in The Hague on Wednesday after the NATO summit.
Ceasefire Holding
Trump also commented on the status of the ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which he said was progressing positively.
“I think it’s going very good. Israel came back yesterday,” he said, referring to his Tuesday warning urging Israel to halt its airstrikes on Iran.
Timeline of Escalation
- June 13: Israel launched major airstrikes on Iranian territory, hitting multiple military and nuclear targets. The attacks reportedly killed several top commanders, nuclear scientists, and civilians.
- June 15–17: Iran retaliated by launching a series of missile and drone strikes against Israel, resulting in casualties and extensive infrastructure damage.
- June 22: The U.S. entered the conflict by bombing three key Iranian nuclear sites: Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
- June 24: In response, Iran targeted the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles, escalating tensions further.
Diplomacy Begins
On Tuesday, Trump announced a ceasefire between Israel and Iran, stating it would begin at 0400 GMT. Both Iran and Israel have since confirmed the truce, with military activity significantly reduced across the region.
If next week’s U.S.-Iran talks proceed, they will mark the first known direct engagement between Washington and Tehran since the deadly military escalation began earlier this month.
