Trump delays Iran attack for quick deal

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will hold off on a fresh attack against Iran, provided a swift deal can be reached to halt its nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that Iran and other Middle Eastern nations had requested time to finalize an agreement aimed at the "Immediate, Complete and Total" reopening of the crucial waterway and an "end to Iran’s nuclear threat."

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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 indicated his agreement to "cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL," citing the "future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran." He noted that Israel "joins me in this commitment." This apparent de-escalation follows days of escalating threats between the US and Iran, with attacks having spread across the Gulf to the Red Sea and even a facility in Egypt.

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With or without an agreement, and regardless of any external commitments, if Iran attempts to renew ​its nuclear programme or advance its ballistic missile industries, we will be there. We will take action, and we will strike.

Iran has significantly impacted global energy markets by largely closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital conduit for 20 percent of the world's oil and LNG before the recent conflict. This has led to rising energy prices and contributed to broader inflation. Despite Trump's announcement, Israel's energy minister, Eli Cohen, affirmed close security and intelligence coordination with the US. He also stated that Israel would act independently if Iran attempts to advance its nuclear program or ballistic missile capabilities, regardless of any agreements.

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Iran Says It Is Boosting Deterrence

Iran's acting defense minister, Brigadier General Majid Ebn Al-Reza, characterized the recent US threats as "psychological and cognitive warfare" but assured that Tehran would enhance its preparedness and deterrence. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a call with Trump, emphasized the "necessity of prioritizing dialogue to de-escalate tensions" in the Middle East, according to the kingdom's state news agency.

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necessity of prioritising dialogue to de-escalate tensions