In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said discussions over the past two days had raised the prospect of a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.” Speaking later to reporters before departing Florida for Memphis, he described the talks as “very, very strong,” adding that negotiators had reached agreement on “almost all points.”

Trump said U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who had previously engaged in negotiations with Iran, held discussions with a senior Iranian official on Sunday evening and were expected to continue talks on Monday. He declined to identify the Iranian interlocutor, stating only that it was not the country’s supreme leader, and said Washington was engaging with “the man who I believe is the most respected and the leader.”

Reporter for Axios said officials from Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan had separately met Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, suggesting a coordinated mediation effort. Iran’s foreign ministry acknowledged unspecified “initiatives” aimed at reducing tensions, according to the Mehr news agency, and reiterated that Tehran expected Washington to participate directly in any negotiations as a principal party to the conflict.

The diplomatic push comes hours before a previously signaled U.S. deadline that had raised the prospect of escalation targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, a move widely seen as carrying significant regional and economic risks.

Trump said he had communicated with Israel, describing the U.S. ally as supportive of ongoing diplomatic efforts. A source briefed on Israeli planning said Washington had kept Israel informed of its contacts with Tehran and indicated that Israel was likely to mirror the U.S. pause by suspending any targeting of Iranian power plants and related infrastructure.

Trump’s comments helped ease immediate concerns of escalation, with oil prices falling and stock markets recovering as investors reassessed geopolitical risk. The prospect of a temporary halt in strikes on energy assets signaled a reduced likelihood of near-term disruption to regional supply.

Diplomatic contacts are expected to continue in the coming days as intermediaries seek to bridge remaining gaps between Washington and Tehran.

In the statement, Pezeshkian said Iran had attempted to avoid war through diplomatic engagement with neighbouring governments but that recent military actions by the United States and Israel had forced Tehran to act in self-defence. “We have strived alongside you and through diplomacy to avoid war, but the American-Zionist military aggression has left us no choice but to defend ourselves,” he wrote.

The Iranian president addressed the message to what he described as “friendly and neighboring states,” stressing that Tehran respects the sovereignty of countries across the Middle East. He added that regional security and stability should be achieved collectively by states in the region rather than through outside intervention.

Iranian officials have repeatedly framed their military posture in recent months as defensive, arguing that the country is responding to external threats. Pezeshkian’s remarks reflect Tehran’s long-standing position that regional security arrangements should be managed by Middle Eastern governments themselves.

The message appeared aimed at reassuring neighbouring governments that Iran’s response would not threaten their territorial sovereignty while also signalling that Tehran considers recent military actions against it to justify retaliation under self-defence.

A Clear-Edged Breakdown of Iran’s Strategic Shift Toward Saudi Arabia

According to political expert Mario Nawfal, Iran has taken a step it previously insisted it would never consider: requesting Saudi Arabia’s assistance in reopening nuclear talks with the United States. This outreach reflects a significant shift in Tehran’s approach and signals a moment shaped less by diplomatic confidence and more by mounting pressure.

A letter from President Masoud Pezeshkian was delivered to Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman shortly before the Saudi leader’s visit to the White House. The communication notably departed from Iran’s traditional revolutionary tone. Instead of confrontational rhetoric, it emphasised openness to dialogue and explicitly appealed for support in re-engaging with Washington.

The fact that Tehran is directing such a request to Riyadh—its longstanding regional rival—indicates that circumstances are tightening around Iran’s strategic environment.

Two core factors underpin this sudden shift in posture.

The first is fear. Israeli strikes in June targeted Iranian nuclear sites and, more importantly, undermined Iran’s sense of invulnerability. Tehran now perceives the possibility of further action if diplomatic efforts break down.

The second factor is survival. Iran’s economic situation continues to deteriorate, with the rial weakening sharply and energy shortages disrupting daily life. Public frustration is intensifying as these pressures accumulate.

Alongside these domestic concerns, Iran’s broader regional influence is eroding. Hezbollah is weakened, Hamas has been significantly damaged, and the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad has fallen. Collectively, these developments are rapidly reducing Tehran’s regional leverage.

In contrast, Saudi Arabia possesses advantages Tehran currently lacks: direct influence in Washington, a personal channel to former President Donald Trump, and regional authority grounded in economic strength, energy resources, and political stability. While Oman and Qatar are capable of transmitting messages, Saudi Arabia has the capacity to shape outcomes.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has indicated an openness to facilitating diplomatic progress—not as an act of benevolence, but because a U.S.–Iran conflict would generate serious consequences across the Gulf region.

Both Iran and the United States publicly endorse diplomacy, yet neither is willing to accommodate the other’s demands. Iran’s clerical establishment maintains that negotiations cannot occur “under threat.” However, the current threats surrounding Tehran are also the primary drivers pushing it toward engagement.

The decision, made by the UN Security Council, reflects the international community’s continued focus on ensuring that Iran’s nuclear program remains exclusively peaceful. While sanctions are restored, the European powers and UN officials underscore that diplomacy remains the primary path forward.

European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas highlighted that the EU will implement these measures responsibly while maintaining channels for constructive negotiations with Tehran. “Our goal is not only to uphold international agreements but to provide space for dialogue and mutual understanding,” Kallas said.

Iran has signaled its willingness to engage in consultations, recalling ambassadors to Britain, France, and Germany for discussions. President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, stressing that the country remains dedicated to international cooperation and peaceful nuclear development.

Diplomatic avenues remain open, with Britain, France, and Germany offering opportunities for a long-term agreement. They called on Iran to continue talks, ensure access for UN inspectors, and address concerns regarding enriched uranium, all in good faith. The message from the international community is clear: sanctions are a temporary measure intended to guide Iran toward constructive engagement, not to hinder dialogue.

The United States reiterated its support for a diplomatic solution. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that direct negotiations, conducted transparently and in good faith, are the best way to achieve sustainable outcomes for the Iranian people and the global community.

While the UN measures include temporary restrictions on certain nuclear-related activities, arms, and travel, they are designed to strengthen frameworks for cooperation rather than isolate Tehran. Officials stress that responsible implementation of these measures can enhance regional stability, reinforce international norms, and ultimately support Iran in achieving a secure and peaceful nuclear program.

This renewed focus on diplomacy, verification, and cooperation represents a positive step forward in international relations, ensuring that Iran remains a constructive partner on the global stage while maintaining peace and security in the region.

Britain’s UN envoy, Barbara Wood, said the Council acted according to Resolution 2231, emphasizing that the snapback process is designed to ensure transparency and accountability. “The Council is committed to maintaining international norms while keeping avenues for dialogue open,” she said.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the country’s commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, assuring that Iran will continue to be transparent about its enriched uranium stockpiles. “Iran will never seek nuclear weapons, and we are fully prepared to cooperate with UN inspectors,” Pezeshkian stated.

The European powers, collectively the E3, along with the United States, reiterated that diplomatic engagement remains a priority. Talks are expected to continue to encourage Iran’s collaboration with UN nuclear inspectors, promote peaceful nuclear development, and address any remaining compliance issues.

Despite the vote, global diplomats view the current situation as an opportunity to strengthen communication channels and reinforce shared commitment to international peace and security. Iran has recalled its ambassadors to Germany, France, and the UK temporarily for consultations, a standard diplomatic measure reflecting proactive engagement with its international partners.

Experts note that reimposing sanctions within a structured, multilateral framework supports accountability while leaving space for negotiation. The international community continues to emphasize that dialogue, transparency, and cooperation remain critical tools in managing global nuclear governance and promoting long-term stability.

Speaking at a weekly press briefing, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei emphasized that Tehran’s new proposal will be “reasonable, logical, and balanced,” and will seek tangible assurances before any sanctions relief is implemented.

“The U.S. proposal is not acceptable to us. It does not reflect the outcome of earlier negotiations,” Baghaei said. “Our counter-proposal will be delivered via Oman once finalized. Before the lifting of sanctions, Iran must be assured of real economic benefits, particularly in banking and trade.”

The U.S. proposal — reportedly presented in late May — was criticized by Iranian officials for failing to resolve key disputes, including uranium enrichment levels on Iranian soil, the shipment of enriched uranium stockpiles abroad, and the reliability of sanctions relief.

Diplomatic sources suggest Tehran’s response will be negative in tone, reinforcing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s position that Washington’s approach runs counter to Iran’s national interests. Last week, Khamenei vowed that Iran would continue enriching uranium domestically, a move Western powers fear could inch the Islamic Republic closer to weapons-grade capability.

Talks Without a Date

Baghaei confirmed that no date has been set for a sixth round of nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington. The negotiations, aimed at reviving a framework akin to the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), have stalled repeatedly amid mutual distrust.

The 2015 pact was unilaterally abandoned by then-U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018, who reimposed sweeping economic sanctions on Iran. In retaliation, Tehran began expanding its nuclear activities, enriching uranium far beyond the limits set by the agreement.

Iran maintains that its nuclear program is entirely peaceful and within the framework of the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), accusing the West of double standards by ignoring Israel’s undeclared nuclear arsenal.

Israel in Focus

In a pointed rebuke, Baghaei called on the international community to address Israel’s alleged nuclear weapons capabilities, framing the issue as a necessary step for regional disarmament.

“We urge the global community to compel nuclear disarmament upon Israel,” he said. “The same countries questioning Iran’s peaceful program are actively enabling Israel’s military nuclear build-up.”

He further hinted at the imminent release of what he termed “sensitive Israeli documents,” which Tehran claims will expose efforts by Israel to obstruct the negotiation process and bolster its own undeclared nuclear program.

“The negotiating parties must not allow Israel to sabotage diplomatic progress,” Baghaei added.

Regional Implications

As diplomatic efforts teeter between stalemate and collapse, the broader Middle East remains on alert. Tehran’s defiance, coupled with its demand for verifiable economic normalization, suggests any deal will be hard-won and slow-moving.

Meanwhile, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied possessing nuclear weapons, maintaining a policy of deliberate ambiguity. It has also strongly opposed renewed U.S.-Iran talks, urging Western allies to maintain pressure on Tehran.

With Oman once again serving as the quiet mediator, all eyes now turn to whether Washington will view Iran’s pending counter-proposal as a bridge toward détente — or another breakdown in a decade-long diplomatic saga.