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

President Donald Trump announced late Saturday that the United States and Israel would stand down from planned new strikes on Iran after Tehran and regional allies requested a pause, citing the outlines of a deal to end the five-month conflict. The move comes as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and global energy supplies face ongoing pressure from disruptions in the Red Sea.

Trump posted on Truth Social that the United States was prepared for overwhelming force against Iran but chose to cancel the operation based on requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern countries. He said the emerging agreement must deliver the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a complete end to Iran's nuclear threat. Israel joined the commitment, according to the post. The president framed the decision as serving the broader interests of the world while allowing Iran a path to stability if it complies.

The announcement followed reports that the United States and Israel were considering heavy strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure this weekend. Those plans surfaced during a cabinet meeting at Camp David on Friday. Earlier threats of escalation had raised fears of wider fighting that could further squeeze oil markets already strained by the closure of the vital waterway.

Iran quickly pushed back on Trump's account. State media cited military officials calling the claim that Tehran requested the pause a lie. Iran's acting defense minister stated that every threat is taken seriously and that forces remain on high alert, neither surprised nor passive. Iranian officials have maintained readiness amid the back-and-forth.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump and stressed the need for dialogue to reduce tensions, according to the kingdom's state news agency. Iran also held calls with Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey on the risks of further escalation. These intermediaries have played roles in earlier mediation efforts during the conflict that began on February 28.

The war has now reached its 156th day with no final resolution. Shipping lanes critical to energy exports stay disrupted, and the Houthis continue operations in the Red Sea. Trump has issued similar pauses before, only for fighting to resume when talks stalled. A regional official involved in the current mediation described the latest proposal as calling for renewed negotiations, a halt to attacks by Iranian-backed groups, and an end to the U.S. naval blockade on Iran in exchange for oil exports resuming under the terms discussed.

Trump's approach reflects a consistent preference for extracting concrete concessions rather than committing to open-ended military campaigns. The focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and neutralizing the nuclear issue points to priorities centered on American energy security and avoiding deeper entanglement in another Middle East conflict. Whether the parameters hold will depend on rapid follow-through from all sides.