US President Donald Trump has held off further strikes against Iran after Tehran and regional governments indicated that an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be within reach.
Trump said the planned military action would remain suspended while negotiators attempted to finalise terms covering maritime access, Iran’s nuclear programme and an end to attacks across the region. He warned, however, that the operation could be revived if an agreement was not completed quickly.
The announcement eased immediate fears of another major escalation in the five-month conflict, which has disrupted energy shipments, raised oil prices and exposed Gulf infrastructure to missile and drone attacks. Washington had assembled forces for a substantial assault after accusing Tehran of restricting commercial navigation through the strait and threatening US personnel and allies.
Iran and several Middle Eastern governments had asked Trump to delay the strikes while they worked on a diplomatic framework. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged de-escalation during a telephone conversation with the US president, reflecting Gulf concerns that attacks on Iran could trigger retaliation against energy installations.
Tehran had warned that strikes on its oil, gas or nuclear facilities would be met with attacks on infrastructure belonging to countries supporting the US operation. Iranian officials and security-linked channels raised the possibility of targeting oilfields in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, gas facilities in Qatar and Israeli energy assets.
The threatened retaliation presented Gulf governments with a difficult calculation. Most remain security partners of Washington, but their economies depend on stable energy exports, functioning ports and investor confidence. They have therefore intensified mediation while strengthening air defences and emergency preparations around strategic installations.
The emerging proposal centres on the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, an end to Iranian attacks on commercial and military targets, and renewed negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear activities. Iran would seek relief from restrictions affecting its oil exports, while Washington could ease its naval blockade and halt further bombardment if Tehran complies.
No final agreement has been announced, and the positions of the parties remain separated by disputes over enforcement, sanctions and Iran’s right to enrich uranium. Tehran denies seeking nuclear weapons and maintains that its atomic programme serves civilian purposes. The Trump administration has demanded guarantees that Iran cannot develop a bomb.
The Strait of Hormuz has become the central pressure point in the conflict. Iran has blocked or restricted much of the shipping traffic through the narrow waterway, while US forces have conducted operations aimed at protecting vessels and weakening Tehran’s capacity to threaten maritime commerce. Iranian authorities said on Friday that transit remained impossible because of US military actions.
The disruption has affected crude oil, liquefied natural gas and petroleum product shipments from Gulf exporters. Alternative routes, including pipelines crossing Saudi Arabia and the UAE, can carry part of the region’s output but cannot fully replace the capacity normally available through Hormuz.
Trump said Israel supported the diplomatic initiative, although its government has not publicly detailed the conditions it would accept. Israeli officials have maintained that military action remains an option if Iran restores missile capabilities or advances its nuclear programme.
The pause follows repeated attempts to establish a ceasefire and maritime arrangement. A memorandum reached in June was meant to restore navigation and reduce hostilities, but its implementation faltered as both sides accused each other of violations. Fighting intensified again in July, with US forces striking Iranian targets and Tehran maintaining pressure on shipping.
The latest negotiations involve senior US officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, alongside regional intermediaries seeking to bridge the remaining differences. Diplomatic activity has focused on securing an immediate maritime opening before addressing the broader political and security terms.
Iran has increased military readiness despite the postponement. Its leaders have presented the suspension as evidence that threats against Gulf energy infrastructure can deter a wider US attack. Washington, by contrast, has portrayed the decision as a limited opportunity for Tehran to accept an agreement before military pressure resumes.
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