US-Iran War Update: Arab Prince Moves, Trump Holds Off Attack
US President Donald Trump has stated that he will postpone plans for new attacks against Iran as long as there is an opportunity to reach an agreement to halt Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global energy trade.
Trump made the announcement on Saturday night via the Truth Social platform. He noted that Iran and several Middle Eastern nations have requested time to finalise a deal that would result in the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and end the Iranian nuclear threat. While Trump did not specify the countries involved, the statement follows discussions with Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, a key US ally in the region.
‘Based on that request, I have agreed, for the future interest of the world and also for the successful and prosperous survival of Iran, to cancel the attack, provided that an agreement can be reached immediately,’ Trump wrote, adding that Israel supports this approach.
Regarding negotiations, Iranian state news agency IRNA reported that talks between Tehran and Oman concerning the Strait of Hormuz have entered their final stages. However, an Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaile Baghaei, clarified that current discussions are focused solely on establishing new shipping routes in the region and are separate from the status of the Strait of Hormuz.
The tension follows months of conflict between the US, Israel, and Iran, which has expanded from the Persian Gulf to the Red Sea. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran has significantly impacted global energy supplies, previously accounting for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas, driving up global energy prices and inflationary pressures.
Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen emphasised that while Israel is coordinating closely with the US, they remain prepared to act. ‘With or without a deal… if Iran attempts to revive its nuclear programme or advance its ballistic missile industry, we will be present. We will act and we will attack,’ Cohen stated.
In the midst of these developments, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has emphasised the importance of diplomacy to reduce regional tensions. Meanwhile, global oil prices have surged due to the instability; Brent crude futures rose by 24% throughout July. Analysts suggest prices could rise further as economic pressures mount and threats to the Bab el-Mandeb strait by Houthi rebels continue to loom over vital export routes.