US, Israel to pause Iran strikes if deal reached rapidly, says Trump

President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that the United States and Israel have agreed to halt new strikes against Iran, contingent on the swift finalization of a deal to end the ongoing conflict. This announcement follows mounting fears of escalation after Trump had previously threatened severe retaliation against Iran, including potential attacks on its energy infrastructure.

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we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack

Trump indicated a shift in course after speaking with Saudi Arabia's crown prince and following communication between Tehran and Riyadh, as well as mediators Pakistan and Turkey. While asserting that the U.S. was "locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran," Trump added that "we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack." He posted on his Truth Social platform that he 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."

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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

However, Iran's Mehr news agency, citing military officials, dismissed Trump's claim that Tehran had requested a pause as "nothing but a new lie," asserting that Iran's military remains "on high alert and ready for any eventuality." Iranian state media reported that the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers had a call, and Tehran also communicated with Pakistan and Turkey regarding the risks of escalating regional tensions.

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nothing but a new lie

Saudi Arabia's official SPA press agency confirmed Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman spoke with Trump, emphasizing the need for dialogue to de-escalate tensions and achieve a truce leading to diplomatic solutions. Trump specified that any deal must include the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat," with Israel joining this commitment. The conflict, which began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes, shows no sign of immediate resolution, especially after a previous ceasefire attempt failed and Iran subsequently increased its control over the Strait of Hormuz.

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emphasised the necessity of prioritising dialogue to reduce tensions and the importance of exerting all possible efforts to achieve a truce that paves the way for diplomatic solutions