Washington: US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that the United States has agreed to suspend a planned military strike on Iran following diplomatic requests from Tehran and key Middle Eastern nations, claiming that the foundational terms for a potential deal have been established.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, President Trump declared that while the US military remains fully prepared for large-scale operations against Tehran, the administration agreed to delay military action to allow diplomatic negotiations to proceed. He revealed that regional governments urged Washington to hold off because the broad parameters of a broader settlement had been agreed upon, which includes the immediate and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a permanent end to Iran's nuclear program. Trump added that Israel supports the decision to pursue a negotiated outcome, though he provided no explicit timeline or confirmation regarding whether Iranian officials have formally verified the arrangement.
The announcement marks a sudden shift following days of escalated tensions and renewed exchanges of strikes across the region. Speaking to reporters after chairing a live televised Cabinet meeting at Camp David, President Trump had earlier signaled that intense military operations would continue until Iran lost its capability to threaten American forces or pursue nuclear weapons. He reiterated that preventing Tehran from acquiring nuclear capabilities remains Washington's primary geopolitical objective, warning that an armed Iran would severely destabilize the Middle East. While noting that sustained US strikes had significantly degraded Iranian forces, Trump acknowledged that Tehran still retained limited operational capabilities prior to the pause.
The geopolitical significance of this potential diplomatic breakthrough centers heavily on the strategic shipping lanes connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters.
The Strait of Hormuz serves as the world's most vital oil transit chokepoint, carrying nearly a fifth of global petroleum consumption. Any commitment to secure uninterrupted commercial shipping through the waterway remains a core prerequisite for resolving ongoing conflicts between Washington, regional allies, and Tehran.
(Inputs from IANS)