President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States and Israel have agreed to delay further military strikes on Iran, contingent upon quickly reaching a peace agreement to end the months-long conflict.

Trump stated the US remains "locked and loaded" but has chosen to hold back following requests from Iran and other Middle Eastern nations. He emphasized the need for a deal that ensures the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.

He posted on his Truth Social platform: "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 added that Israel supports this commitment.

Conflict Background and Regional Concerns

The conflict began on February 28 after US and Israeli strikes on Tehran, leading to over five months of hostilities with no definitive resolution in sight. A previous ceasefire, which also included reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz, collapsed, and Iran has since tightened control over this vital maritime passage.

Renewed clashes have caused fluctuations in global oil prices, raising concerns ahead of the US midterm elections.

US embassies across the Middle East warned citizens of potential escalations and advised readiness to evacuate. Reports indicated planned joint strikes targeting oil refineries and power plants, but these were postponed following diplomatic interventions.

Diplomatic Efforts and Regional Appeals

  • Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman reportedly urged Trump to de-escalate during a phone call.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated Iran might be open to negotiations on denuclearization and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Recent incidents include a drone attack on a US-owned gas vessel in Egypt and a projectile strike on a tanker near Oman, underscoring regional volatility.

Iran currently controls navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, requiring vessels to obtain permission and pay transit fees, significantly reducing maritime traffic.

Separately, Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen denied claims of charging ships for passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, another critical shipping route.