Trump now says he will halt Iran strikes, having reached outline to end war

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he would halt U.S. military strikes against Iran, citing progress toward a deal to end the five-month-long conflict. In a social media post, Trump claimed that Middle East allies had reached the “parameters of a deal” to conclude the war, which would include the immediate, complete, and total opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. He emphasized that the decision to pause attacks was conditional on the ability to “rapidly make a DEAL.” However, no formal agreement has yet been finalized, and the situation remains fluid. The proposed deal, according to a regional official involved in mediation efforts, would see the U.S. and Iran return to negotiations to address longstanding disputes. This includes the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, which has been a focal point of tensions, and the cessation of attacks across the region, including those by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq targeting Arab Gulf states and Jordan. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its naval blockade on Iran, allowing Tehran to export oil as outlined in the tentative ceasefire agreement. The official, speaking under anonymity due to lack of public authorization, noted that mediation efforts are ongoing but no final terms have been agreed upon. Iran’s response to the U.S. pause in strikes has been cautious. Esmail Baghaei, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, stated that the Strait of Hormuz would not revert to its pre-conflict status, emphasizing that Iran is engaged in discussions with Oman regarding shipping through the strait but has not indicated plans to fully reopen it. Meanwhile, Iran’s defense minister expressed that the nation remains vigilant and unshaken in the face of U.S. threats, underscoring the country’s readiness to respond to any concrete challenges. Within Iran’s leadership, there appears to be a divide over the approach to negotiations with the U.S. While some factions advocate for continued military pressure as leverage during talks, others favor diplomatic engagement. This internal tension reflects broader strategic debates within the Islamic Republic, balancing the need for national security with the possibility of political resolution. The U.S. decision to pause strikes has drawn attention from key regional players. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly raised concerns with Trump about the potential for conflict escalation, particularly given the economic implications of renewed hostilities. According to a confidential account, the call was described as candid and constructive, with the crown prince expressing worries over the impact of a U.S. escalation on the global economy and the safety of Gulf allies. Saudi officials, the source added, believe their alliance with the U.S. provides a strong defensive posture, though they remain wary of vulnerabilities in Kuwait. The State Department issued a warning to Americans in the Middle East, urging them to consider leaving the region or preparing for sudden departure due to the risk of increased conflict. The agency highlighted potential disruptions such as flight cancellations, airspace closures, and security threats. This advisory followed a similar message issued earlier in the month, indicating a shift in Washington’s stance as the conflict persists. The department also advised travelers to reconsider visits to or through the region, reflecting growing apprehension over the conflict’s trajectory. Recent developments suggest that the war, which began on February 28, has entered its sixth month, far exceeding initial expectations of swift resolution. Despite Trump’s frequent claims that the war would end shortly, the prolonged nature of the conflict has contributed to rising oil prices worldwide and higher gasoline costs in the U.S. A temporary lull in hostilities occurred in June when the U.S. and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding to initiate peace talks. However, in early July, Trump declared the ceasefire “over,” leading to renewed attacks and the resumption of hostilities. As the situation evolves, the outcome of these ongoing negotiations will likely shape the future of the region and international relations.