Trump Cancels Iran Strikes Pending Nuclear and Maritime Deal

President Donald Trump announced Saturday that the United States will cancel planned military strikes against Iran provided a deal is rapidly reached to halt the country's nuclear ambitions and ensure the immediate and total reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The decision follows a phone call with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who warned that U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure could provoke retaliatory attacks on Gulf energy sites.

Trump stated that Israel has joined the U.S. in the commitment to finalize the deal, though Israel has not yet issued a public statement. This diplomatic shift follows a five-month conflict that began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli attacks aimed at destroying Iranian missile capabilities. The conflict has caused significant economic disruption, driving up Brent crude futures and deterring shipping in the region.

Despite the pause, tensions remain high. Iran warned it would respond decisively to any adventurous action, and Iranian drones struck government and civilian facilities in northern Kuwait and Bubiyan Island on Saturday. The Government of Kuwait reported that its army destroyed the hostile drones. The emerging agreement seeks to end these hostilities and stabilize the critical maritime corridor of the Strait of Hormuz.