US, Israel postpone Iran strikes as Trump demands rapid deal
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday (August 1, 2026) that the United States and Israel have agreed to postpone any new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the months-long conflict is reached quickly.
The announcement came amid heightened fears that the fighting could escalate once again. Mr. Trump had earlier threatened to hit Iran "very hard" and was reportedly considering renewed heavy attacks, including against energy infrastructure targets. CBS News reported that the United States and Israel were planning joint strikes, possibly over the weekend, with oil refineries and power plants among the likely targets.
In a late-night post on his Truth Social platform, Mr. Trump said the United States was "locked and loaded" and ready to act at levels of military power not seen since World War II. However, he said he had been asked by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to hold off.
"Despite this, we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack," Mr. Trump wrote. "Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL."
Mr. Trump said the deal would have to include the "Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat." He added that Israel had joined the commitment. "Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE," he wrote.
The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran. The initial attacks were widely reported to have targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities, although official details remain scarce. In the five months since, the conflict has continued with no end in sight, marked by periodic exchanges of attacks and growing regional tensions.
In recent weeks, tit-for-tat strikes have resumed, prompting concerns that the situation could spiral. The Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant portion of the world's oil passes, has been a particular concern. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait in response to military pressure, a move that could severely disrupt global energy supplies.
According to Axios, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman called Mr. Trump on Saturday to express concerns about his strike plans. A source with knowledge of the call told Axios that the Crown Prince had urged Mr. Trump to de-escalate and refrain from launching the strikes. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The international community, including the United Nations, has repeatedly called for a ceasefire and a return to diplomacy. The European Union and several countries in the Middle East have urged both sides to avoid further escalation. The prospect of a deal, however, remains uncertain, given the deep mistrust and the complexity of the demands laid out by Mr. Trump.
The demand for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz is likely to be a sticking point. Iran has long asserted its right to control the waterway within its territorial waters, and any concession could be politically difficult. Similarly, the demand to end Iran's nuclear threat would require significant verification and diplomatic groundwork. The coming days are likely to be crucial in determining whether negotiations can move forward or whether the threat of renewed military action will materialise.
