Trump says US, Israel to hold off on Iran strikes pending deal

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States and Israel have agreed to pause new strikes on Iran, contingent on a "rapid" deal to end the ongoing conflict. Fears of escalation had grown after Trump threatened severe action, including targeting energy infrastructure.

Trump declared the U.S. was "locked and loaded" but would hold off following requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations. "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 posted on his Truth Social platform. He specified the deal must ensure the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat." He added, "The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE."

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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 conflict, which began February 28 with joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Tehran, shows no sign of immediate resolution. A prior ceasefire with similar terms, including reopening the Strait of Hormuz, failed. Iran has since increased its control over the vital waterway, and attacks have resumed between the two nations, pushing global oil prices higher. This renewed hostility occurs just three months before U.S. midterm elections, which could impact Trump's Republican Party.

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The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE.

U.S. embassies across the Middle East had warned citizens of potential "unforeseen escalation" and advised readiness to evacuate. CBS News reported that the U.S. and Israel were planning joint strikes, possibly over the weekend, targeting facilities like oil refineries and power plants. However, Trump stated his decision to delay new attacks came after specific requests.

Iran and the U.S. exchanged fire again last month following a brief lull, though no strikes were reported Saturday. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News earlier in the week that the U.S. had "wiped out" much of Iran's defenses, suggesting Tehran was "now willing and in some cases seem eager to do a deal on denuclearization, to do a deal on the straits." He cautioned, however, that Iran could "still do damage."

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The US was 'locked and loaded and ready to go against' Iran, but added that Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked him to hold off on fresh strikes.

A drone struck a U.S.-owned gas vessel in an Egyptian port on Wednesday, causing a fire. Egypt is investigating the incident. Separately, a tanker off the coast of Oman was hit by an "unknown projectile" on Saturday, according to a British maritime agency.

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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.'