President Donald Trump has announced he will order American forces to hold off on further strikes against Iran, claiming Middle East allies have agreed on the framework of a deal to end the five-month conflict. He warned, however, that the US remains primed to strike Tehran.
Deal based on Hormuz opening
In a Saturday evening social media post, Trump said the emerging agreement "would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat."
"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 Israel had also agreed to join the US in committing to finalise the agreement with Iran and bring hostilities to an end. Iran offered no immediate public response to the announcement.
Reversal after strikes warning
The declaration marked another twist in the conflict, coming just a day after Trump indicated the US was on the verge of resuming heavy military strikes to compel Tehran back to the negotiating table.
The US and Israel launched an assault on Iran on 28 February, initiating a war that Trump stated was intended to dismantle Tehran's missile capabilities, prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon and sever its support for allied armed factions. The stated objectives and timescales have repeatedly changed, and an earlier mid-June ceasefire agreement collapsed within weeks.
Saudi concerns over escalation
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump by telephone on Saturday and expressed concerns about the possibility of the US escalating the conflict with Iran, according to a source familiar with the leaders' conversation. The call took place before Trump's social media announcement.
The Saudis are worried that Tehran could retaliate with strikes on the energy infrastructure of the kingdom and other Gulf nations, according to the individual briefed on the substance of the call but not authorised to comment publicly. The Crown Prince sought clarification from Trump on what potential new measures he was considering against Iran, the source said.
A White House official, who was not authorised to comment publicly, confirmed the leaders spoke on Saturday but declined to provide further detail.
Travel warnings issued
Iran has repeatedly targeted vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorisation as part of its ongoing dispute with the US.
The State Department issued fresh security alerts on Saturday urging US citizens in the region to prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions. The warnings covered Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
