President Donald Trump announced that he will order American forces to hold off on new military strikes against Iran, claiming that Middle Eastern allies have established the outlines of a deal to end the five-month-old conflict.
In a social media post, Trump stated that the proposed framework would include the “Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat”.
Framework Details and Regional Mediation
According to a regional official involved in mediation efforts, the new proposal would require the United States and Iran to return to the negotiating table to address key sticking points that stalled previous agreements.
Under the outlined terms:
- Strait of Hormuz: The vital maritime chokepoint would be fully reopened, and cross-border attacks by Iranian-backed regional militias would cease.
- Naval Blockade: In exchange, the U.S. would end its naval blockade on Iran, permitting Tehran to resume oil exports under a tentative ceasefire.
While mediation remains underway, no finalized agreement has been formally signed. Trump noted that Israel supports the effort to end the war, though Israeli leadership has not publicly commented on the announcement.
Diplomatic Pressure from Gulf Allies
The announcement follows a phone call between Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. According to sources familiar with the matter, Gulf nations expressed concern over potential U.S. military escalations, fearing Iranian retaliation against regional energy infrastructure.
Prior to the announcement, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard had targeted oil tankers attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, and Iranian drones were intercepted over Kuwait, highlighting the urgent pressure from Gulf states to de-escalate.
Continued Violence in Gaza
Despite the broader regional diplomatic movement, fighting persists elsewhere in the Middle East. Israeli airstrikes across Gaza overnight killed at least eight Palestinians, including two children, according to local health officials. The Israeli military stated the strikes targeted Hamas military operatives as both sides continue to exchange accusations over ceasefire violations.
