Trump says US will halt Iran strikes if Hormuz Strait deal is reached

WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Saturday he will order American forces to halt further strikes against Iran if a proposed agreement to end the five-month conflict moves forward, saying regional partners have agreed on the framework of a deal.In a post on social media, Trump said the proposed agreement would include the “immediate, complete and total” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of Iran’s nuclear threat.”Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the world and the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a deal,” Trump wrote.Iran’s defense minister responded that Tehran remained vigilant and was “neither surprised nor passive” following Trump’s announcement.A regional official involved in mediation efforts said the proposal would return the United States and Iran to negotiations while reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting attacks across the region, including strikes by Iranian-backed militias against Gulf states and Jordan.According to the official, the United States would, in return, end its naval blockade of Iran and allow Tehran to resume oil exports under the terms of a proposed ceasefire. The official cautioned that no agreement has been finalized and that negotiations remain ongoing.Trump also said Israel had joined the commitment to end the conflict through implementation of the proposed ceasefire, though Israel has not publicly commented.Before Trump’s announcement, Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman held a phone call with the US president, during which he expressed concern about any further escalation with Iran, according to the Saudi Press Agency.Separately, Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight killed at least eight Palestinians, including two children, according to local health officials. The Israeli military said the strikes targeted Hamas operatives.The US State Department also issued updated security alerts for American citizens across the region, warning of possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions affecting Bahrain, Israel, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.