Trump halts Iran strikes, cites progress on war-ending deal

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that U.S. forces would hold off on new strikes against Iran, claiming a deal to end the five-month war was nearing completion. He stated on social media that the emerging agreement would involve the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat."

Trump indicated he agreed to cancel the attack, provided a deal could be rapidly made. This is not the first time Trump has announced a halt to strikes, with previous instances seeing fighting resume. Iran’s defense minister responded that the country was prepared for threats and neither surprised nor passive.

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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.

A regional official involved in mediation efforts described the proposal as a return to negotiations. The plan reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting regional attacks, including those by Iranian-backed militias. In return, the U.S. would end its naval blockade and allow Iran to export oil.

While no deal is finalized, mediation is ongoing. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump prior to the announcement, expressing concerns about potential Iranian retaliation against the kingdom's energy infrastructure. The Saudis are worried Tehran might respond to U.S. escalation with attacks on their oil facilities and other Gulf countries.

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neither surprised nor passive