President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that the United States has agreed to temporarily pause military action against Iran, saying negotiations are underway that could lead to a broader agreement aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said Iran and several other Middle Eastern countries had requested that the U.S. delay further attacks while both sides work toward what he described as the “perimeters of a deal.”
According to Trump, the proposed agreement would include the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz—one of the world’s most important shipping routes—and measures to eliminate Iran’s nuclear threat.
Trump said the U.S. military was fully prepared to launch additional strikes but decided to hold back to allow diplomacy a chance to succeed.
“We were locked and loaded and ready to go,” Trump wrote, adding that the planned attacks were canceled on the condition that negotiations move forward quickly. He also stated that Israel supports the decision to pursue a potential agreement.
The president concluded his message by urging all parties involved to finalize the negotiations, writing, “Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE.”
State Department Issues Travel Warning
Trump’s announcement came shortly after the U.S. State Department issued a new security advisory for Americans across the Middle East.
The advisory urged U.S. citizens to remain vigilant, prepare for possible flight disruptions, and consider leaving the region if security conditions deteriorate. Officials warned that airlines have already canceled or delayed several routes due to the ongoing conflict, increasing the risk of travel interruptions.
The warning was distributed through U.S. embassies in the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Iraq, Israel, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia. Compared with an earlier advisory issued this month, the latest notice reflects heightened concern that the conflict could expand.
Military Tensions Continue
Despite the diplomatic opening, hostilities remain high.
On Saturday, Kuwait’s military said its air defense systems intercepted drones it described as originating from Iran, adding that explosions heard across the country were the result of successful interception operations.
The development follows a series of intense military exchanges between the United States and Iran. Earlier this week, the U.S. military confirmed it had carried out a major wave of strikes against Iranian targets.
Reports also suggest Trump has become increasingly frustrated with the prolonged conflict. According to one ally, the president believed there was no clear long-term strategy for ending the war.
Conflict Enters Sixth Month
The fighting has now entered its sixth month, far longer than many analysts initially expected. The extended conflict has contributed to rising global oil prices and increased gasoline costs in the United States.
Although Washington and Tehran briefly resumed diplomatic efforts in June by signing a memorandum outlining a framework for peace talks, progress stalled. In early July, Trump declared the ceasefire “over,” and both sides resumed military operations across the region.
With renewed diplomatic efforts now underway, attention will focus on whether the proposed agreement can hold and prevent another escalation in one of the world’s most volatile regions.
