On Sunday, August 3rd, 2026, President Trump stated that he is "not looking to kill people" as he pursues a deal with Iran. He informed reporters that negotiations with Iranian officials are scheduled for Monday, August 4th, 2026. Trump revealed on Air Force One that the latest round of talks was orchestrated by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar.

Trump also disclosed that the U.S. had planned "an attack that would have been the biggest attack since World War II" on Iran before Gulf countries intervened to encourage diplomacy. He affirmed, "We're ready to go any time we want," regarding potential military action but expressed a preference for making a deal.

Leaders from Gulf countries, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, have urged Trump to give diplomacy a chance, fearing a refugee crisis that could affect the region. Trump noted there is no set deadline for Iran's denuclearization, describing it as the elimination of Iran's nuclear program.

The previous interim deal between the Trump administration and Iran aimed to determine the fate of Iran's nuclear program and to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about 20 percent of the world's oil supply.

According to the Human Rights Activist News Agency, U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran have resulted in over 3,600 Iranian deaths. Additionally, Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz has led to a surge in gas prices in the United States, with the national average reaching $4.10 per gallon—more than $1 higher than before the strikes—according to AAA.

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