US President Donald Trump has officially announced the cancellation of the planned airstrike against Iran, on the condition that Iran quickly agrees to a new agreement. The terms include immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and cessation of all nuclear threats. Meanwhile, Iran has yet to respond to the proposal.
US President Donald Trump revealed on Truth Social that he has decided to cancel the planned military strike against Iran, provided both sides can swiftly reach a mutual agreement. The agreement must include the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz immediately and an end to Iran's nuclear threat.
Trump stated that this decision followed consultations with Israel and came after Iran and several Middle Eastern countries requested the US to delay the strike to allow diplomatic negotiations. He claimed the "framework of the agreement" has received preliminary approval in principle.
The US leader also said that before deciding to cancel the operation, the US military had been fully prepared, stating the US is "ready to conduct military operations at a level never seen since World War II" if talks fail.
However, so far Iran has not officially responded or commented on Trump's announcement. Previously, the Tehran government accused the US of escalating tensions and warned that any regional country cooperating with Washington could face the "fire of war."
Trump's announcement comes amid reports from several US media outlets that the US and Israel were considering launching a major strike on Iran's energy infrastructure over the weekend. Sources revealed the plan was discussed during a cabinet meeting last Friday.
During that meeting, Trump was recorded saying while reporters were still present that the US would strike Iran so heavily that the other side might have to admit it can no longer withstand the assault.
Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Trump on Saturday (1 Aug) to express concern about the possibility of an attack on Iran. Reuters confirmed this conversation took place.
Earlier, the US State Department issued a warning to American citizens living or traveling in the Middle East to exercise increased caution and prepare to leave if security deteriorates, warning of possible flight cancellations, intermittent airspace closures, and travel disruptions in several countries.
Tensions between the US and Iran have escalated again since a ceasefire agreement collapsed in June, following its initial failure in April. This has led to continuous retaliatory attacks by both sides. Earlier this week, the US announced a large-scale airstrike in response to attempts to launch long-range missiles at American forces in the region.
Additionally, the US has implemented port blockades and targeted strikes within Iran, while Iran has retaliated by firing missiles and drones at US bases in several Middle Eastern countries, as well as attacking commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most critical oil transport routes.
The confrontation between the US and Israel against Iran began on 28 February and has caused significant volatility in global oil prices amid concerns the conflict could spread and threaten energy stability and security in the Middle East.
. SourceBBC/Associated Press