Trump says Iran peace framework taking shape, puts fresh US strikes on hold

Daijiworld Media Network – Washington Washington, Aug 2: US President Donald Trump on Saturday said a framework for ending the ongoing conflict with Iran was beginning to take shape and announced that he would hold off ordering fresh US military strikes for now, citing efforts to secure a broader regional agreement. In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the proposed agreement would include the "immediate, complete and total opening of the Strait of Hormuz" and the elimination of what he described as Iran's nuclear threat. He added that Israel had agreed to work alongside the United States to finalise the deal. Trump said he had decided to cancel a planned military attack, provided meaningful progress was made in negotiations. "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 wrote. He also claimed that Israel would partner with the United States in efforts to bring the five-month-long conflict to an end. Earlier in the day, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly spoke with Trump and expressed concerns over the possibility of further US military action against Iran, according to a person familiar with the conversation. Saudi Arabia is said to be worried that if the United States targets Iran's energy infrastructure or launches major strikes on key facilities, Tehran could retaliate by attacking energy installations in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf nations. The Crown Prince also sought clarification on the military options being considered by Washington. While the White House confirmed that the two leaders spoke, it declined to reveal details of the discussion. Although Saudi Arabia earlier this week joined the United States in targeting logistics and weapons sites used by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Riyadh has continued to urge Washington and Tehran to return to diplomatic negotiations. The Saudi Crown Prince also dispatched Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman to Washington earlier this week for meetings with Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss the evolving regional situation. Meanwhile, the US State Department issued fresh travel advisories for American citizens in 10 Middle Eastern countries, including Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The advisories urged travellers to exercise increased caution and prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other disruptions as tensions remain high across the region. The conflict continues to pose a major foreign policy challenge for the Trump administration amid growing concerns over regional stability, global energy supplies and the broader economic impact.