President Donald Trump said he decided to pause U.S. strikes on Iran in order to give negotiations another chance, signaling a temporary shift away from immediate military action. His comments pointed to a diplomatic opening at a moment when tensions had raised fears of a broader confrontation.

The remarks came after the United States held off on attacking Iran for a third straight day on Monday. That pause stood out because Trump had warned last week about the possibility of a major new attack, fueling expectations that Washington could move quickly toward escalation.

By framing the delay as a chance for talks, Trump appeared to lower the immediate prospect of a new round of strikes. The decision suggests the administration is weighing diplomacy alongside military pressure as it responds to the crisis.

For now, the pause leaves negotiations at the center of the next phase. While the threat of force has not disappeared, Trump’s latest comments indicate that the White House is allowing more time to see whether talks can prevent a deeper conflict with Iran.