Trump Says US Will Pause Iran Strikes as Peace Deal Takes Shape

Washington, Aug 2: US President Donald Trump has said he will halt further American military strikes against Iran after claiming that key Middle East allies had agreed on the framework of a deal aimed at ending the five-month-long conflict. In a social media post on Saturday, Trump said the proposed agreement would include the “immediate, complete and total opening of the Strait of Hormuz” and measures to eliminate what he described as Iran’s nuclear threat. “Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the world and 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 Israel had agreed to support efforts to finalise the proposed agreement with Iran. There was no immediate official response from Tehran. The announcement marked a significant shift after Trump had indicated a day earlier that the United States was prepared to resume large-scale military strikes to pressure Iran into negotiations. The conflict began on February 28, when the US and Israel launched military operations against Iran. Trump has said the campaign was intended to destroy Iran’s missile capabilities, prevent it from acquiring nuclear weapons and end its support for allied armed groups. An earlier ceasefire effort in mid-June collapsed within weeks, with both sides accusing each other of violating the agreement. According to a person familiar with the matter, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump by phone before the announcement, expressing concerns that any escalation could trigger Iranian attacks on energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. The Crown Prince reportedly sought clarification on Washington’s military plans. A White House official confirmed the call but did not disclose details. Amid ongoing tensions, the US State Department issued fresh security advisories for American citizens across the region, warning of possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and travel disruptions. The alerts covered Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.