Trump Says US, Israel Will Pause Planned Strikes on Iran, Seeks Quick Deal to End Conflict

Washington DC/ Tehran: US President Donald Trump said Saturday that the United States and Israel had agreed to refrain from launching fresh strikes on Iran if Tehran moved quickly to reach an agreement aimed at ending the conflict that has continued for more than five months.

Trump’s announcement came amid growing concerns that the war could escalate again after he warned that Iran could face a “very hard” response and reports suggested that Washington was considering renewed large-scale attacks, potentially targeting energy facilities in Iran.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go” against Iran but had decided to delay the planned action following requests from Tehran and other countries in the West Asia.

“Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL,” Trump said.

He added that any agreement must ensure the immediate and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and eliminate what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump said Israel had joined the US commitment to hold off on further attacks while negotiations continued.

The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Tehran. Despite months of fighting, efforts to end the war have failed to produce a lasting settlement.

An earlier ceasefire agreement that included provisions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz collapsed. Iran subsequently tightened its control over the strategic waterway as Washington and Tehran resumed military exchanges in recent weeks.

The renewed hostilities have pushed global oil prices higher after they had declined during the initial ceasefire period. The conflict has also emerged as a political concern for Trump ahead of the US midterm elections, scheduled in November.

US embassies across the Gulf countries warned American citizens on Saturday about the possibility of an “unforeseen escalation” and advised them to remain prepared to leave if necessary.

CBS News reported that the United States and Israel had been considering coordinated strikes over the weekend, with Iranian oil refineries and power plants among the potential targets. However, Trump reportedly reconsidered after Gulf countries urged Washington to avoid further escalation.

According to Axios, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump on Saturday and expressed concern over the proposed strikes. As per reports, the conversation said the Saudi leader urged Trump to de-escalate and refrain from launching the attacks.

The United States and Iran resumed exchanging fire last month after a brief pause following peace talks, although no attacks were reported overnight from Friday to Saturday.