Trump: US and Israel postpone strikes on Iran for the sake of a deal
US President Donald Trump has said the United States and Israel will temporarily refrain from new strikes on Iran at the request of Tehran and other regional countries, as key parameters of a deal have been agreed. The deal would require the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the elimination of Iran's nuclear threat.
US President Donald Trump announced on Sunday, August 2, on his Truth Social platform that the United States and Israel would temporarily hold off on further strikes against Iran. He said Washington was ready to launch massive attacks, but Iran and other Middle Eastern nations asked Washington to refrain because the main elements of a deal had been agreed.
Trump stressed that any agreement must include the "immediate and full opening of the Strait of Hormuz" and the removal of Iran's nuclear threat. He added that, in light of this request and acting in the interests of the entire world, as well as to preserve a successful and prosperous Iran, he agreed to call off the strikes provided that a deal could be reached quickly. Israel shares this position, he wrote.
Earlier in the week, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing sources, that Trump had ordered a new series of strikes designed to force Tehran to disarm. However, sources said any diplomatic progress could persuade Trump to cancel the attacks and return to negotiations, and that he might simply change his mind.
CBS News reported that the US and Israel had planned joint strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure that could have lasted throughout the weekend. Likely targets included oil refineries and power plants.
