US President Donald Trump says he will order American forces to hold off on new strikes against Iran, claiming Middle East allies have reached the parameters of a deal to end the war.

05:14, Sun, Aug 2, 2026 Updated: 05:19, Sun, Aug 2, 2026

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Friday, July 31, 2026, after a t

President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Morristown Municipal Airport in Morristown, N.J., Friday, July 31, 2026, after a trip to Camp David, the presidential retreat. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) (Image: Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

President Donald Trump has announced he would instruct American forces to halt further strikes against Iran, but warned the US is primed to strike in a stark warning to Tehran.

Trump claimed Middle East allies had agreed upon the framework of a deal to bring the five-month conflict to a close.

Get the latest news from around the world and more Invalid email

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy

The emerging agreement "would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat," Trump wrote in a Saturday evening social media post.

"Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL," Trump said.

Israel had also agreed to join the US in committing to finalise the agreement with Iran that would bring hostilities to an end, he added. Iran offered no immediate public response to the announcement.

Trump's declaration marked yet another twist in the conflict, coming just a day after he had indicated the US was on the verge of resuming heavy military strikes to compel Tehran back to the negotiating table.

The US and Israel launched an assault on Iran on 28 February, initiating a war that Trump stated was intended to dismantle Tehran's missile capabilities, prevent it from acquiring a nuclear weapon and sever its support for allied armed factions. However, the stated objectives and timescales for the conflict have repeatedly changed, and an earlier mid-June ceasefire agreement collapsed within weeks.

It comes as Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the kingdom's de facto ruler, spoke with Trump by telephone on Saturday and expressed concerns regarding the possibility of the US escalating the conflict with Iran, according to a source familiar with the leaders' conversation. The call took place prior to Trump's social media announcement.

The Saudis, according to the individual briefed on the substance of the call but not authorised to comment publicly, are worried that Tehran could retaliate with strikes on the energy infrastructure of the kingdom and other Gulf nations.

FILE - President Donald Trump stands with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to the White House, Nov.

FILE - President Donald Trump stands with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on his visit to the White House, Nov. 18, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, File) (Image: Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

The Crown Prince sought clarification from Trump regarding what potential new measures he was considering taking against Iran, the source said.

A White House official, who was not authorised to comment publicly and requested anonymity, confirmed the leaders spoke on Saturday but declined to provide further detail.

Iran has repeatedly targeted vessels attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without its authorisation as part of its ongoing dispute with the US.

- The State Department issued fresh security alerts on Saturday urging US citizens in the region to prepare for the possibility of flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions. The warnings covered Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.