Kathmandu— President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that talks to wind down the conflict with Iran would begin on Monday, despite Iranian officials stating their focus is on negotiations with Oman. The announcement comes amid a series of developments in the Middle East, including Israeli strikes in Gaza and security concerns between Syria and Iraq.

Trump's Diplomatic Pivot

President Trump announced that he had decided against carrying out major strikes on Iran at the urging of Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. He stated that a plan was in place for U.S. forces to carry out “the biggest attack since World War II,” but diplomacy would be given more time after consultations with key Gulf leaders and requests from unnamed Iranian officials.

However, Iran’s foreign ministry maintained that the country is not currently holding negotiations with the United States. Esmail Baghaei, an agency spokesperson, said Monday that ongoing talks were with Oman to establish a temporary route for safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Hospitals in Gaza reported at least 17 people killed over the weekend as a result of Israeli strikes, including children. A strike on a residential apartment in southern Gaza killed three family members, including a four-year-old child, according to Nasser hospital.

The extreme weather conditions in Gaza have exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation for displaced Palestinians living in makeshift tents. With limited access to clean water, electricity, and sanitation, overcrowded camps are grappling with flies, mosquitoes, and other insects, heightening the risk of dehydration, heat-related illnesses, and the spread of communicable diseases.

Regional Security Concerns

Syrian interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa met with Iraq’s Kurdish regional president Nechirvan Barzani to discuss ways of improving mutual cooperation and contributing to regional security. The meeting came amid tensions as Iranian-backed Iraqi militia groups carried out multiple drone strikes targeting American interests across Iraq, including the country’s Kurdish region.

(With inputs from AP)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.