Washington (Rajeev Sharma): US President Donald Trump has announced that the United States has decided to put planned military strikes against Iran on hold after what he described as a diplomatic request from Tehran and several Middle Eastern countries. However, he stressed that the suspension is temporary and depends on the rapid conclusion of a broader agreement.
In a post shared on Truth Social, Trump said discussions had reached a stage where the outlines of a possible deal had been agreed upon, prompting Washington to reconsider immediate military action. He maintained that the pause would continue only if negotiations progress without delay.
According to Trump, the proposed agreement would include the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic maritime route crucial for global oil shipments, along with steps aimed at eliminating concerns surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme.
He claimed that Iran, along with other regional nations, had appealed to the US to refrain from launching attacks while diplomatic efforts continue. Responding to the request, Trump said he had agreed to halt the planned strikes in the interest of regional stability and global security, provided a final agreement is reached soon.
At the same time, the US President warned that Washington remains prepared to use military force if negotiations collapse. He asserted that the American armed forces are fully equipped to respond with overwhelming strength should diplomacy fail.
Trump also claimed that Israel has agreed to support efforts to finalise the proposed deal and work toward ending the conflict that has gripped the region for months. However, Israeli authorities had not officially confirmed his statement.
Meanwhile, Iran has continued to issue stern warnings against any military action. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi, during separate conversations with senior officials from Pakistan, Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, reportedly said Tehran would respond decisively to any attack by the United States or its allies and warned that further escalation could destabilise the entire region.
Iranian media outlets linked to the country’s security establishment also cautioned that any strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure could trigger retaliatory attacks on oil and gas facilities across the Gulf region, including installations in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Israel.
Reports citing a US official further indicated that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman held discussions with President Trump to seek clarity on Washington’s intentions, reflecting growing concern among Gulf nations over the possibility of a wider regional conflict.
Although Trump’s announcement has fuelled hopes of renewed diplomacy, no formal agreement has yet been signed. The situation remains fluid, with the future of the proposed deal expected to determine whether the region moves toward de-escalation or another round of military confrontation.
