Trump cancels Iran strikes after 'parameters' reached for deal to end war, open Strait of Hormuz

Trump calls off strikes, cites deal parameters

President Donald Trump announced on Saturday, August 1, that he would order US forces to hold off on new strikes against Iran, claiming that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had asked him to refrain and that the “parameters of a deal” to end the five-month war had been reached. In a social media post, Trump said the emerging agreement “would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.” He added that Israel had joined the United States in the commitment to try to complete the agreement. Trump had said the US was “ready to strike the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of military terror, force and power never seen since World War II,” but that the request from Tehran and others led him to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a deal.

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.

Iran denies requesting halt

Iran’s Mehr news agency on Sunday dismissed Trump’s claim as “a new lie,” citing military officials who said the allegations were false. “Our forces are on maximum alert and ready for any eventuality,” Mehr reported. Another Iranian agency, Fars, quoted a source close to the nuclear negotiating team as saying, “As long as the United States maintains its hostile actions, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed.” Iran has not issued any official reaction to the announcement of a potential deal.

Saudi Arabia urged de-escalation

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump by phone on Saturday before the announcement, raising concerns about the potential escalation and urging the US to prioritize dialogue to de-escalate tensions, according to Saudi state media and a person familiar with the call. The Saudis are worried that Iran could retaliate by attacking energy infrastructure in the kingdom and other Gulf states. The crown prince sought clarity on what new action Trump was weighing against Iran. The White House confirmed the call but gave no details.

Background of the conflict

The United States and Israel launched a joint military campaign against Iran on February 28, aiming to destroy Tehran’s missile capabilities, prevent it from obtaining a nuclear weapon, and end its support for allied armed groups. The war’s goals and timelines have repeatedly shifted. A previous deal to stop the fighting, reached in mid-June, collapsed within weeks. Iran has since blockaded the strategic Strait of Hormuz, through which about 20% of global oil production normally transits, causing severe disruptions to the world economy. In retaliation, the US imposed a naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Military threats and next steps

On Friday, Trump had threatened to hit Iran “very hard,” and US media reported that Washington was considering further massive bombardments over the weekend, with possible targets including oil refineries and power plants. The US military had rushed additional bombers and fighters to the region. The State Department had also urged American citizens to consider leaving the Middle East because of a possible escalation. Trump’s Saturday announcement marked a sharp reversal, though he gave few specifics on the deal’s parameters. Iran has yet to indicate that an agreement to reopen the strait is close. The New York Times reported that few in Trump’s inner circle believed a renewed escalation was wise, warning it could deplete supplies of essential interceptors and leave American troops and allies more exposed.