U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that American forces would refrain from launching further strikes against Iran, citing progress among Middle Eastern allies toward a potential deal to end the five-month conflict. In a social media statement, Trump outlined that the agreement would require the immediate and complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. He indicated that, contingent on reaching a rapid agreement, he would cancel planned attacks for the benefit of global stability and Iran’s future prosperity.
Despite Trump’s announcement, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei stated on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz “will in no way return to the status it was before Feb. 28,” the day hostilities began. Speaking to Iranian state television, Baghaei noted ongoing discussions with Oman regarding shipping through the strait but emphasized that there are currently no plans to fully reopen this strategically critical waterway.
Since the conflict’s eruption on February 28, Trump has repeatedly halted planned strikes against Iran only to see escalations resume shortly afterward. Iran’s defense minister, responding on the social media platform X, described Tehran as “neither surprised nor passive” and affirmed that the country remains vigilant in the face of ongoing threats from the United States.
Inside Iran, the leadership appears united on maintaining a strong stance, though observers report emerging tensions between factions rejecting any negotiations with the U.S. and those who view military pressure as leverage at the bargaining table.
A regional official involved in mediation efforts, speaking on condition of anonymity, elaborated on the proposed framework. The plan envisions a mutual return to negotiations, with Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ceasing attacks in the region, including those by Iranian-backed militias targeting Gulf Arab states and Jordan. In exchange, the U.S. would lift its naval blockade of Iran and permit Tehran to resume oil exports. No formal agreement has yet been reached, but discussions are ongoing.
Trump also indicated that Israel supports the ceasefire effort, though the Israeli government has not issued a public response. Meanwhile, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump on Saturday, expressing concerns about the potential for the conflict to escalate further. According to a briefed source, the crown prince warned that intensified U.S. actions against Iran could provoke retaliatory attacks on Gulf allies, with serious implications for the global economy.
Saudi officials have communicated to the U.S. administration that the kingdom, along with the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, is prepared to defend against potential Iranian aggression, though Kuwait may face increased vulnerabilities from Iranian-backed groups in Iraq.
Iran has frequently targeted vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without its permission as part of ongoing hostilities with the United States, underscoring the strategic significance of the waterway in the broader conflict.