President Donald Trump has suggested that a peace deal with Iran could bring an end to months of conflict, while warning that the United States remains ready to strike if diplomacy fails. The president said American forces are «locked and loaded», even as he signalled openness to a rapid agreement with Tehran.
Speaking on Saturday night, Trump said the US would hold off on any new strikes on Iran provided a deal to end the conflict is quickly reached. He described the pause as «subject to being able to rapidly make a deal», according to reports. The remarks marked a shift from his earlier threats to hit Iran hard and came after a day of intense diplomatic activity and fresh regional alarm.
The Saudi Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, called Trump on Saturday to express concerns about the planned strikes, reports said. The kingdom's de facto leader was worried about the US potentially escalating the conflict with Iran. Trump's reversal also followed a warning from Tehran that it would retaliate decisively against its neighbours in the event of American strikes.
Regional tensions have been mounting. Kuwait reported being hit by Iranian drones on Saturday, and two ships were attacked off Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Iran's military accused the United States of «moving down the path of escalating tensions». The attacks underlined how quickly the conflict could draw in countries beyond Iran.
The US State Department has meanwhile issued a travel advisory for ten countries in the Middle East, urging American citizens to be prepared amid the uncertainty. The advisory reflects growing concern that the conflict could widen beyond Iran's borders, especially after the reported attacks in Kuwait and off Oman.
The latest developments came after weeks of escalating rhetoric between Washington and Tehran, and after Trump had threatened severe action against the Iranian government. The president appeared to leave the door open for a diplomatic solution, describing the pause in strikes as contingent on a rapid agreement. His comments were among the strongest signals yet that the White House is willing to explore a negotiated end to the hostilities. The two sides have been locked in a months-long standoff that has already drawn in shipping lanes and regional governments.
Trump had flown back to Morristown Municipal Airport in New Jersey on Friday after a trip to Camp David, the presidential retreat. By Saturday night, the diplomatic picture had shifted sharply, with the crown prince's intervention and Iranian warnings both playing a part in the decision to hold back from further strikes.
No deal has been announced, and it remains unclear whether a framework has been agreed. The situation in the region remains volatile, with commercial shipping and Gulf states increasingly exposed to spillover from the conflict. The White House has yet to announce a breakthrough, despite the president's suggestion that a deal could be within reach. A deal would mark a significant shift after months of conflict.
