Trump says U.S., Israel to hold off on Iran strikes
President Donald Trump announced a pause in planned U.S. and Israeli strikes against Iran, contingent on reaching a rapid deal to end the ongoing conflict. The proposed agreement demands the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the cessation of Iran's nuclear program.
Why it matters
The potential for large-scale military escalation in the Middle East remains high, with global energy markets and regional stability hanging in the balance.
President Donald Trump said on Saturday (August 1, 2026) that the United States and Israel had agreed to hold off on any new strikes on Iran, provided a deal to end the months-long conflict is quickly reached.
Fears had mounted that the fighting could escalate once again, after Mr. Trump threatened to hit Iran "very hard," and was reportedly considering renewed heavy attacks, including against energy infrastructure targets.
CBS News reported that the United States and Israel were planning joint strikes, possibly throughout the weekend, with oil refineries and power plants among possible targets.
"The USA is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II," Mr. Trump said late on Saturday (August 1) in a post on his Truth Social platform.
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