US President Trump Announces Pause on Iran Strikes, Talks on Hormuz Opening

President Donald Trump used his Truth Social platform to declare that the United States had decided to stop any new attacks on Iran for the time being. He highlighted that the US remains fully capable of launching military operations against Tehran, a level of power not witnessed since the post‑World War II era. However, Trump said the pause was made at the behest of Iran and several other regional countries. He added that negotiations are underway for a comprehensive agreement that would see the Hormuz Strait reopened immediately, completely and permanently, while also addressing the perceived nuclear threat from Iran. The announcement followed earlier speculation in US media that the United States and Israel might target Iran’s energy infrastructure over the weekend. Israeli Channel 12 reported that Iran’s foreign minister had approved a Qatar‑US mediated deal allowing vessels to navigate Iranian‑controlled sections of the Gulf and exit through Omani waters. Iran’s state‑linked Fars News agency, citing a source close to the talks, rejected the claim, stating the strait will remain closed as long as US hostile activities continue, and only ships cleared by the IRGC navy on designated routes will be allowed.