Trump Announces Cancellation of Planned Strikes on Iran Pending Rapid Deal

President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that he has canceled planned U.S. military strikes against Iran, citing requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries and progress toward the outlines of a potential agreement to end the ongoing conflict.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated that he had been asked “to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to.” He wrote: “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 the contemplated deal “would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.” He added that Israel joins the United States in this commitment and urged all parties to “get to work” and finalize the arrangement.

The announcement follows weeks of intermittent U.S. strikes on Iranian targets and recent reports that Washington and Israel had prepared for a possible intensified campaign, including against energy infrastructure. The conflict, now in its fifth or sixth month, has centered in part on Iranian actions affecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. Trump had previously threatened significant escalation if Iran continued to impede the waterway or failed to address nuclear concerns.

Regional diplomacy played a role in the decision. Reports indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and other Gulf and Middle Eastern leaders contacted the U.S. administration, urging de-escalation and cautioning against renewed large-scale attacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held discussions with counterparts in several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, though Tehran has not publicly confirmed the existence or details of any framework agreement matching Trump’s description.

Trump framed the pause as conditional on rapid progress. He noted that U.S. forces remained prepared to act if necessary while emphasizing the potential benefits of a successful diplomatic outcome for regional stability and Iran itself. Israeli officials had not issued a parallel public confirmation of the commitment by early Sunday. The precise terms under discussion, the status of any verification mechanisms for the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran’s formal response remained unclear in the immediate aftermath of the announcement.The development marks another shift in a conflict marked by periods of intense military activity alternating with mediation efforts involving regional and international parties. Oil markets and shipping interests have closely monitored developments in the strait throughout the fighting. Whether the reported parameters translate into a durable agreement will depend on negotiations in the coming days.