U.S. President Donald Trump said he decided to refrain from a new strike on Iran on condition of a swift conclusion of an agreement that would provide for the cessation of the nuclear threat from Tehran and the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This is reported by UNN citing Reuters.
Details
According to Trump, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries asked for time to complete negotiations on arrangements that would ensure the resumption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and halt Iran's nuclear program.
On the basis of this request, I agreed, for the future good of the world, as well as the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack on the condition that we can quickly conclude an agreement
The U.S. president also stated that Israel joined this decision. At the same time, Israeli authorities did not immediately publicly comment on Trump's statement.
The U.S. president's statement came amid Iran's threats to respond decisively to possible new strikes. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, during telephone conversations with representatives of Turkey, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia, warned that Tehran would respond to any aggression.
During conversations with Pakistan's Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, Araghchi also discussed the consequences of destabilizing actions by the United States and the risk of further deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East.
In a conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, the head of the Iranian Foreign Ministry emphasized that strikes by the United States and Israel, as well as the participation of other countries in the region in such operations, would provoke a proportional response.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also held a telephone conversation with Trump. According to U.S. media, he expressed concern and asked for clarification of Washington's plans regarding Iran. The White House confirmed the fact of the conversation but did not disclose its details.
The publication Nournews, affiliated with Iran's highest security body, stated that in the event of U.S. strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure, Tehran could attack oil fields in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, as well as gas facilities in Qatar and Israel.
Earlier, during a cabinet meeting at the Camp David residence, Trump said that American negotiators could still reach an agreement with Iran. According to him, the negotiating team includes special envoy Steve Witkoff, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and the U.S. president's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
At the same time, Trump admitted that he is losing trust in the Iranian side, accusing Tehran of systematically breaking promises. The Iranian authorities, in turn, have long made similar accusations against Washington.
Context
The armed confrontation escalated after February 28, when U.S. and Israeli forces launched strikes on Iranian territory. Washington explains its actions as an effort to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Trump stated that achieving this goal justifies a temporary increase in fuel prices. At the same time, the rise in energy prices and negative consequences for the global economy increased political pressure on the U.S. presidential administration and forced Washington to seek ways to end the conflict.
Futures for benchmark Brent crude oil in July rose by 24%. Analysts polled by Reuters expect oil prices to continue rising throughout the year.
One of the main factors behind the rise in energy prices was the situation in the Strait of Hormuz. A significant portion of global oil and liquefied natural gas supplies passes through it. Since the start of hostilities, most shipping companies have avoided this route due to the risk of Iranian attacks.
In addition, Iran-allied Yemeni Houthis began threatening shipping in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. This sea route is located at the other end of the Red Sea from the Suez Canal and is used, among other things, for the export of Saudi oil.
On Saturday, the Kuwaiti army reported the destruction of drones that, according to its data, were launched by Iran at several critical facilities. A government facility in the north of the country and civilian property of a company on Bubiyan Island were hit. The falling debris caused material damage, but there were no casualties.
On the same day, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations reported two incidents off the coast of Oman. In one case, a tanker was struck by an unknown projectile, resulting in damage to the engine room. During the other incident, the ship's captain reported an explosion and a powerful splash of water near the tanker, but no damage was recorded.
Recall
The United States and Israel are planning large-scale strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure.