U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would order American forces to cease new strikes against Iran, citing that Middle East allies had achieved the necessary parameters for a deal intended to end the five-month war.
In a social media post on Saturday evening, Trump detailed that the developing agreement "would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat."
Trump stated, "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."
He added that Israel had consented to join the U.S. in committing to finalize the agreement with Iran aimed at ending the war. Iran did not issue an immediate public response to the announcement.
Trump's declaration marked another shift in the conflict, occurring one day after he suggested the U.S. was nearing a resumption of heavy military strikes intended to compel Tehran into negotiations.
The U.S. and Israel initiated attacks on Iran on February 28, launching a war Trump said aimed at destroying Tehran’s missile capabilities, preventing nuclear weapon acquisition, and ending support for allied armed groups. However, the stated objectives and timelines for the conflict have frequently changed, and an earlier mid-June agreement to halt fighting dissolved within weeks.
The most significant developments in the Middle East today include:
**Saudis Express Concern Over Iranian Retaliation**
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto leader, spoke with Trump by phone on Saturday and raised concerns regarding a potential U.S. escalation of the conflict with Iran, according to a source familiar with the leaders’ discussion. This call took place before Trump's social media announcement.
The Saudis, as briefed by the source who was not authorized for public comment, are worried that Tehran might retaliate with attacks on the energy infrastructure of the kingdom and other Gulf nations.
The crown prince sought clarification from Trump regarding any potential new action he was considering against Iran, the person said.
A White House official, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly, confirmed the leaders spoke Saturday but provided no further details.
Iran has repeatedly attacked vessels attempting passage through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorization as part of its ongoing conflict with the U.S.
**Elsewhere in the Region**
The State Department issued new security alerts on Saturday advising U.S. citizens in the region to prepare for potential flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures, and other travel disruptions. These warnings covered Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.