Donald Trump announced Saturday evening that he has called off planned strikes on Iran this weekend, citing a potential deal that could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The president stated on Truth Social that while he remained "locked and loaded" to launch an attack, he halted the action in hopes of reaching a peace agreement.
According to Trump's post, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries requested a hold on any attack, as the "perimeters of a deal has been agreed to." Trump indicated this agreement would involve the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat."
Trump wrote that he agreed to cancel the attack "subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL" for the "future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran." He added that "The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment."
The decision to pause the strikes reportedly followed discussions where Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to de-escalate the situation, expressing concerns that further military action could lead to an uncontrollable escalation in the Middle East. The White House and Tehran had exchanged threats in recent days, with Trump previously vowing to unleash "power not seen since World War II."