In a Truth Social post on Saturday evening local time, Donald Trump said Middle Eastern allies had reached the "perimeters" of a deal to end the conflict with Iran, and that the United States remained "locked and loaded" and ready to attack at levels not seen since World War II.
Trump said he had been asked by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to hold off any attack because a deal had been agreed, including the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. He said he had agreed to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a deal, and that Israel joined him in the commitment.
Post on Truth Social
The full post read: "The U.S.A. is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II.
"Despite this, we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to. This 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.The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP."
Saudi Arabia raises concerns
The post came as Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto leader, expressed concerns in a phone call with Trump about the US potentially escalating the conflict with Iran, according to a person familiar with the leaders' discussion.
The Saudis are concerned that if the US targets Iran's energy infrastructure or carries out massive strikes on other key infrastructure, Tehran could respond with attacks on the kingdom's and other Gulf countries' energy infrastructure, the person said.
During Saturday's call, the crown prince sought clarity from Trump on what potential new action he was weighing against Iran, according to the person. A White House official, not authorised to comment publicly and requesting anonymity, confirmed the leaders spoke on Saturday but did not provide details of their conversation.
