US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States and Israel have agreed to pause further strikes on Iran, on condition that a deal to end the prolonged conflict is reached quickly. The move comes after weeks of rising tensions, with Trump having earlier warned of possible heavy new attacks on Iranian targets, including energy facilities.
Trump stated that Iran and several Middle Eastern countries had asked for the attacks to be held back, and he had accepted the request in the interest of reaching an agreement. He added that the United States remained fully prepared to act but was willing to wait for a swift resolution that would require the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear programme. Israel has joined the United States in this position, he said.
Iran quickly dismissed Trump’s claim that Tehran had requested the pause, with state media calling it a new lie and confirming that Iranian forces remained on high alert. At the same time, reports indicated that Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince had spoken with Trump, stressing the need for dialogue to reduce tensions. Iran also held discussions with Pakistan and Turkey on the risks of further escalation.
The latest development follows more than five months of conflict that began in late February. Earlier attempts at a ceasefire involving the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz collapsed, and Iran has since tightened its grip on the vital waterway. Recent days have seen renewed exchanges of fire, including a drone attack on a US-owned vessel in Egypt and an unexplained strike on a tanker off Oman.
US embassies across the Middle East have advised their citizens to prepare for possible sudden escalation and to be ready to leave the region if necessary. Oil prices have climbed again following the fresh round of hostilities, while traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has dropped sharply as ships require special permission to pass.
