President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Israel have agreed to hold off on new strikes against Iran, provided a deal to end the months-long conflict is rapidly reached. Trump stated that he called off a planned attack, which he described as potentially the biggest attack since World War Two, after being asked by Iran and other Middle Eastern allies, including Saudi Arabia, because the perimeters of a deal have been agreed to.
The U.S. president said negotiations to wind down the war were expected to begin Monday afternoon. The proposed agreement focuses on the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and creating a pathway for Iran to address U.S. concerns regarding its nuclear program. The proposal also calls for halting attacks across the region, including those by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq on Jordan and Arab Gulf countries.
Iranian authorities have contradicted these claims, stating there are no talks underway with the United States and no plans for any meetings. Tehran described Trump's comments as psychological operations and a new lie, asserting that its only current discussions are with Oman regarding a new maritime route through the Strait of Hormuz. The Iranian military remains on high alert and ready for any eventuality.
Washington and Tehran have been at war since February 28, when the U.S. and Israel launched surprise strikes against Iran. While Trump cited progress in negotiations, he warned that Iran faces decapitation if it does not agree to a pact, calling this a last chance. He further declared that the U.S. military blockade will continue until Iran reaches a deal or chooses total surrender.