Donald Trump said the US would delay new military strikes on Iran on the condition that a deal to end the months-long conflict is rapidly reached, after Saudi Arabia raised concerns and Iran threatened to retaliate against its neighbours.
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Key facts
- Trump said on Saturday night the US would hold off on new strikes on Iran if a deal is quickly reached.
- Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump on Saturday to express concerns about his strike plans, according to reports.
- Iran threatened to retaliate decisively against its neighbours in the event of US strikes.
- Kuwait reported being hit by Iranian drones on Saturday and two ships were attacked off Oman in the strait of Hormuz.
- Trump said any deal would cover Iran's nuclear programme and the full reopening of the strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump said on Saturday night that the United States would hold off on any new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the months-long conflict is quickly reached, according to the Guardian. The move marks the president’s latest climbdown from earlier threats to hit the Tehran regime hard.
Trump said the delay was “subject to being able to rapidly make a deal.” In later comments, he said he had cancelled planned military strikes against Iran on the basis of “rapidly” reaching a deal on its nuclear programme and the full reopening of the strait of Hormuz.
The reversal followed a call on Saturday from the Saudi crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who expressed concerns about Trump’s strike plans, it was reported. The president also said the delay came in response to requests from Iran and other countries in the region.
Trump’s decision came after Iran threatened to retaliate decisively against its neighbours in the event of US strikes, according to the Guardian. The warning raised the prospect of a wider regional confrontation.
Signs of escalation were already evident. Kuwait reported being hit by Iranian drones on Saturday, while two ships were attacked off Oman in the strait of Hormuz, the Guardian reported.
The strait of Hormuz is a central point in the standoff, with Trump linking any agreement to its full reopening alongside curbs on Iran’s nuclear programme.
Why it matters
The strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes, and any escalation between the US and Iran could disrupt global energy supplies and draw in neighbouring states. Trump's decision to pause strikes, following pressure from Saudi Arabia and threats from Tehran, signals how fragile efforts to contain the months-long conflict remain.
Frequently asked questions
Why did Trump decide to hold off on new strikes against Iran?
Trump said the delay was subject to being able to rapidly make a deal, covering Iran's nuclear programme and the full reopening of the strait of Hormuz. He also said it came in response to requests from Iran and other countries in the region, and it followed a call from the Saudi crown prince expressing concerns.
What incidents preceded Trump's decision?
According to the Guardian, Iran threatened to retaliate decisively against its neighbours if the US struck, Kuwait reported being hit by Iranian drones on Saturday, and two ships were attacked off Oman in the strait of Hormuz.
What would any deal with Iran involve?
Trump said any deal would address Iran's nuclear programme and the full reopening of the strait of Hormuz.
Timeline
- Trump climbs down on Iran strikes in expectation of ‘rapidly’ reaching a deal
The Guardian World: US president claims delay is also in response to requests from Iran and other countries in the region Donald Trump has said he cancelled planned military strikes against Iran on the basis of “rapidly” reaching a deal on its nuclear programme and the full reopening of the strait o
- Trump climbs down on Iran strikes after Saudi alarm and threats from Tehran
The Guardian World: President claims delay is ‘subject to being able to rapidly make a deal’ as intervention by Saudi crown prince is revealed and Iran warns neighbours Donald Trump said on Saturday night that the US would hold off on any new strikes on Iran provided a deal to end the months-long co