Trump: new talks with Iran to begin Monday after strikes called off

US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that negotiations with Iran will begin on Monday, following his decision to hold off on fresh strikes against the Islamic republic in favour of pursuing a diplomatic agreement. The announcement came just hours after Iran said it was nearing a deal with Oman over a new route through the Strait of Hormuz, as reported by international news agencies.

In the Gaza Strip, however, the situation remains volatile. Israeli airstrikes hit the territory for a second consecutive day, killing at least 18 Palestinians, according to medical sources. The strikes took place despite Trump's earlier announcement of a breakthrough in efforts to implement the ceasefire agreement reached last year.

In a separate development, Iran's semi-official ISNA news agency reported on Sunday that the crew of an Iranian commercial ship that had been damaged in a Ukrainian attack had returned to Iran, along with the body of a sailor who lost his life in the incident.

Trump said he held off on strikes to pursue a deal, and negotiations are due to begin Monday. Meanwhile, Israeli raids on Gaza have continued despite the announced progress on the ceasefire front.