Washington, Aug 2: US President Donald Trump on Saturday claimed that Middle East allies have worked out the broad parameters of a deal to end the five-month-old conflict with Iran. On that basis, he said he would hold off on ordering fresh US strikes for now. He also pushed for a rapid finalisation of the agreement.
What Trump said
In a social media post on Saturday evening, Trump said Iran and several regional countries had asked him to “postpone any offensive”. He said the outline of a deal had been agreed. He said the emerging deal would include:
- The “immediate, complete and total opening of the Strait of Hormuz”
- “An end to Iran’s nuclear threat”
- A commitment from the US and Israel to work together to complete the agreement
Trump wrote: “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.”
He added that Israel has agreed to join the US in this commitment. He said the pause in strikes depends on the ability to finalise the deal quickly.
Context: Repeated claims of a “deal”
This is not the first time Trump has announced imminent progress. In recent months he has repeatedly said a “great settlement” or “robust memorandum of understanding” is close. Iranian officials have often pushed back. They have said no final agreement exists.
- In June, Trump claimed the US had “ended the war with Iran”. He said “final points” of a deal were approved. Tehran called such reports “speculative”. It said “nothing has been finalised.”
- Earlier, he announced short ceasefires and pauses on strikes. He tied them to progress in talks. He also tied them to Iran’s behaviour in the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran has not publicly confirmed any new deal. Its foreign ministry has in the past dismissed similar claims as premature. It has stressed that no text has been formally signed.
What the deal is expected to cover
Based on Trump’s statements and earlier reporting, the framework under discussion appears to focus on:
- Strait of Hormuz: Ensuring free passage for oil tankers and commercial shipping. There have been periods of heightened tension. There were threats to close or disrupt the waterway.
- Nuclear programme: Limits on Iran’s nuclear activities. In exchange, Iran may get relief from some sanctions. It may also get part of its frozen assets abroad released.
- Regional de-escalation: Reducing attacks on US-linked bases and allied territories in the Gulf. Curbing proxy activities that Washington and its allies say threaten regional stability.
Details remain unclear. These include the exact scope of sanctions relief, monitoring mechanisms and timelines.
Reactions and what to watch next
- Iran’s stance: Tehran has so far not confirmed the latest claim of a deal. Its past responses suggest it will avoid celebrating any agreement. It will wait to see concrete US steps. These include steps on sanctions and frozen funds.
- Gulf allies: Countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE and others have a strong interest in keeping the Strait of Hormuz open. They want to reduce the risk of wider war. Their quiet backing may be a key factor in Trump’s decision to pause strikes.
- Israel: Trump’s mention of Israel’s support for the pause signals coordination. Any final deal will need to address Israeli security concerns. These include Iran’s missile and drone capabilities. They also include Iran’s support for regional militias.
For now, the US says it remains “locked and loaded”. It is willing to delay further attacks if negotiations move fast. The coming days will show whether this latest claim of a deal moves from Trump’s posts to a signed, implementable agreement.
