US President Donald Trump announced in a Truth Social post on Monday that Iran had requested a meeting, which will take place in Doha on Tuesday. The announcement follows a weekend of exchanges between the two sides that tested a fragile ceasefire.
US Envoys to Lead Talks
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed to Fox News that special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner will travel to Doha this week. Their agenda includes discussing the memorandum of understanding signed by the two sides earlier this month. Leavitt stated, "As far as we're concerned, we're holding up our end of the ceasefire. Violence will be met with violence." She added that Iran attacked commercial vessels, and the US responded as directed by the President.
Weekend Hostilities
Over the weekend, the US military launched airstrikes against Iranian targets in response to Tehran's attacks on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for one-fifth of global crude supplies. Iran retaliated by launching drone and missile attacks targeting Bahrain and Kuwait on Sunday. A US official told local media that "both sides will stand down for now and vessels can move freely."
Political Reactions
Republican Senator John Kennedy asserted that the US was "winning" the war against Iran and described the regime in Tehran as "an old man who can't afford a cold." Kennedy urged Trump to retaliate with full strength if Iran violates any terms of any agreement.
Oil Prices and Economic Impact
In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump claimed that crude oil was now at USD 69 per barrel and "heading down." He wrote, "WTI CRUDE - USD 69, and heading down. This is less than it was prior to the start of the Denuclearisation of Iran!" He added, "GAS PRICES COMING DOWN, FAST! REPORT ANY ABUSES AT RETAIL LEVEL!" The Trump administration acknowledged that the conflict in Iran was causing a spike in gas prices but argued that the war was necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
