- President Donald Trump said on Aug 1 that the United States and Israel had agreed to hold off on new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the months-long conflict was quickly reached.
- Trump said the US was clocked and loaded and ready to go against Iran, but agreed to cancel the attack after Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries requested a pause, subject to rapidly making a deal.
- Iran spoke with Riyadh, Pakistan, and Turkey about de-escalation, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman urged Trump to prioritise dialogue and achieve a truce.
- Trump said any deal must include the immediate, complete and total opening of the Hormuz Strait and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat, adding Israel joined the commitment.
President Donald Trump announced on August 1 that the United States and Israel will delay any military strikes against Iran, contingent on reaching a deal to end the ongoing conflict.167
Trump stated, "Based on this request, I have agreed... to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a deal," highlighting the urgency of diplomatic efforts.
The proposed deal aims for the immediate, complete and total opening of the Hormuz Strait and seeks to address Iran's nuclear ambitions.
This announcement follows a series of escalations in hostilities, with Iran and the U.S. resuming exchanges of fire in July after a brief lull.
The conflict, which began on February 28, has seen no resolution in sight, and a previous ceasefire deal fell through, leading to increased tensions and rising global oil prices.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman emphasized the need for dialogue during a call with Trump, advocating for a truce to facilitate diplomatic solutions.45
As the situation develops, U.S. embassies in the Middle East have warned citizens to prepare for potential escalations, underscoring the precarious nature of regional stability.
The ongoing conflict poses challenges for Trump's Republican Party ahead of the midterm elections, as the administration navigates complex international relations and domestic pressures.
“Trump said the US was ready to strike but canceled after Tehran and other Middle Eastern countries asked for a pause; he demanded the 'immediate, complete and total opening of the Hormuz Strait' and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. The five-month war has pushed oil prices up three months before US midterm elections.”
