Trump says US, Israel pause Iran strikes as deal nears, Strait of Hormuz reopening on table
US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that the United States and Israel have agreed to put planned military strikes on Iran on hold after receiving a request from Tehran and several Middle Eastern nations, saying the outlines of a potential agreement to end the conflict have been reached.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the proposed deal would include the "immediate, complete, and total" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — the world's most critical oil shipping route — which has remained largely closed since the conflict erupted on February 28.
'Locked and loaded' but willing to negotiate
Trump said the US military remained fully prepared for action but chose diplomacy over escalation after what he described as a breakthrough in negotiations.
"The U.S.A. is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump wrote, adding that Iran and other regional countries had requested Washington to suspend any attack because the "parameters of a deal" had been agreed upon.
He further claimed that the proposed agreement would also eliminate 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.
Israel backs diplomatic push
According to Trump, Israel has also agreed to hold off on further military action while negotiations continue.
He said both allies would work toward finalising an agreement that could bring an end to the ongoing conflict.
"Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE," Trump wrote.
Fresh strikes were reportedly under consideration
The announcement comes a day after Trump warned that Iran could face another round of heavy military action.
Speaking during a Cabinet meeting at the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland on Friday, Trump had said the US was prepared to strike Iran "very hard."
Media reports suggested Washington was considering a new military campaign targeting Iran's energy infrastructure.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had ordered preparations for fresh strikes aimed at increasing pressure on Tehran, with operations potentially beginning over the weekend.
Meanwhile, CBS News reported that the United States and Israel had been coordinating possible joint attacks on Iran's energy-related facilities, although Trump had not yet given final approval.
Conflict has intensified in recent months
The latest diplomatic developments follow weeks of escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran.
The US resumed military operations against Iran last month after accusing Tehran of targeting commercial vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran responded by launching attacks on American military installations in Gulf countries.
A preliminary ceasefire agreement reached in June had called for an immediate halt to military operations, including in Lebanon, and set a 60-day timeline for negotiating a comprehensive peace deal.
However, Trump declared the agreement "over" on July 8, while Tehran later suspended the memorandum of understanding, accusing Washington of violating its commitments.
If negotiations succeed, the proposed agreement could mark a significant diplomatic breakthrough by ending hostilities, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and reviving efforts to address concerns over Iran's nuclear programme.
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