Trump Halts Iran Strikes Pending Rapid Deal on Hormuz, Nuclear Threat

President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that the United States and Israel would hold off on new attacks against Iran after Iran and several Middle Eastern nations requested a pause once the outlines of an agreement emerged. The decision came amid reports that American and Israeli forces were preparing strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure following months of conflict that began February 28.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States remained ready to act with overwhelming force but agreed to cancel the operation to allow rapid completion of a deal. He specified that any agreement must include the immediate and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz along with an end to Iran's nuclear program. Israel joined the commitment, according to the post.

Iranian officials quickly rejected the premise that Tehran had sought the delay. Mehr news agency, citing military sources, called the claim a lie and stated that Iranian forces stayed on high alert. Acting Defense Minister Seyyed Majid Ibn Al-Reza said every threat would be treated as credible regardless of surrounding statements.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump and urged priority for dialogue to reduce tensions. Iran also consulted with Pakistan and Turkey, which have served as mediators in earlier rounds. These contacts occurred as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remained blocked and Houthi attacks continued to disrupt Red Sea routes.

The five-month conflict has already produced repeated cycles of escalation followed by temporary pauses. Trump has announced similar halts on prior occasions only for fighting to resume after negotiations stalled. A regional official involved in current mediation described the latest proposal as a return to talks focused on reopening the strait, halting regional militia attacks, and lifting the U.S. naval blockade in exchange for Iranian oil exports.

Energy markets have reacted to the prolonged closure of the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil supplies. Previous attempts to contain Iran's nuclear activities through agreements produced limited lasting results, with Tehran continuing enrichment activities under varying levels of inspection.

Trump's statement left the option for renewed action open if a deal does not materialize quickly. Iranian state media framed the episode as psychological pressure while affirming readiness for any contingency. No final agreement has been reached, and mediators continue efforts to bridge gaps on enforcement and verification that have blocked progress in past negotiations.