US President Donald Trump said discussions between the United States and Iran would begin on Monday, potentially through intermediaries. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One on August 3, Trump said the talks could start that afternoon. He said he wanted to pursue an agreement because it could save many lives and avoid what he described as unnecessary use of force.

Trump said the United States was ready to act whenever it chose, but added that he wanted a deal and did not want people to be killed. He said many people die in such circumstances. His remarks presented negotiations as an alternative to military action and emphasized his stated preference for reaching an agreement.

He said a planned “major attack” for Friday had to be cancelled after discussions involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iran. Trump said he hoped an understanding could be reached over the management of the Strait of Hormuz. He also said he hoped for an agreement to halt Iran’s nuclear program.