The situation surrounding the US-Iran war has dramatically intensified following a significant announcement from President Donald Trump. In a move that has sent shockwaves through international relations, Trump has stated he is canceling planned attacks on Iran, citing progress in ongoing talks. The pause, contingent on ‘rapidly making a deal,’ is linked to concerns raised by Saudi Arabia regarding potential future strikes on Iran.
Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Mohammed bin Salman expressed serious reservations about plans for potential strikes, according to multiple sources familiar with the matter. These concerns are escalating as the Saudis are under pressure to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial artery for global oil exports, which has experienced a significant closure.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi issued warnings to regional counterparts, emphasizing the need to avoid escalation, and has also called for the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Saudis, as a key US ally in the Persian Gulf, hold considerable sway with Trump, and the announcement has implications for the delicate balance of power in the region.
Trump’s comments came as no strikes have been reported from the US inside Iran in several days, after the US launched what the president described as a ‘heavy wave of strikes’ targeting the country Wednesday. US officials previously stated fresh strikes could take place as soon as this weekend, citing two officials familiar with the plans. Trump said he agreed to requests by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries that he hold off any attack in the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to.
Trump stated that the proposed agreement would include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ‘an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.’ He also added that Israel joins him in the pause in strikes, which remains contingent on ‘being able to rapidly make a DEAL.’
CNN military analyst Cedric Leighton, a former US Air Force colonel, cautioned that both Riyadh and Tehran need to avoid an escalation of hostilities in the region. Leighton noted that the Saudis are economically at risk here, as the Strait of Hormuz is a vital trade route for many nations.
Leighton further indicated that the Saudis, as a key US ally in the Persian Gulf, carry significant sway with Trump, and the proposed agreement could include a new ceasefire deal.
Trump said at a Cabinet meeting Friday that the US is canceling a planned attack on Iran, citing progress in talks. Trump stated that the US ‘is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran,’ but that he agreed to requests by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries ‘to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to.’
Trump said the proposed agreement would include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and ‘an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.’ He also added that Israel joins him in the pause in strikes, which remains contingent on ‘being able to rapidly make a DEAL.’
CNN has reached out to the White House for more details. Trump’s comments come as no strikes have been reported from the US inside Iran in several days, after the US launched what the president described as a ‘heavy wave of strikes’ targeting the country Wednesday.
President Donald Trump spoke with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince on Saturday, according to four people familiar with the matter and a regional source. Prince Mohammed bin Salman reinforced Saudi Arabia’s desire for de-escalation during the call and raised concerns about plans for potential strikes on Iran, multiple people familiar with the matter said.
Officials from mediating nations, including Qatar and Pakistan, have been urgently working to stave off a new escalation in the conflict, fielding calls with officials from Iran and the United States, including Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff, according to three people familiar with the matter.
US citizens planning to travel to the Middle East should seriously reconsider, the advisory said. The conflict in Gaza was thrust into greater focus this week when US President Donald Trump announced a potential breakthrough in diplomatic efforts. Key questions remain, however, and Israeli strikes in Gaza on Saturday have added further uncertainty to the state of the agreement.
Here’s a closer look at the control of territory in the Palestinian enclave:
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Source: CNN
