Trump says US, Israel to hold off on Iran strikes

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States and Israel have agreed to pause new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the months-long conflict is reached swiftly. The decision comes amid mounting fears of escalation, following Trump's previous threats of significant retaliation against Iran, including potential attacks on its energy infrastructure.

Trump stated on his Truth Social platform that the U.S. was "locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran." However, he added that Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations had requested a delay. He agreed to cancel the planned strikes "for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran," but only if a deal could be rapidly concluded.

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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.

The proposed deal, according to Trump, must encompass the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and a definitive end to Iran's nuclear threat. The announcement signals a temporary de-escalation of tensions, contingent on diplomatic progress in resolving the complex issues between the US, Iran, and regional allies.

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The deal would have to include the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat."