The Iran-Israel conflict has taken a fresh twist as on Saturday President Donald Trump claimed that the US and Israel had agreed to postpone fresh strikes on Iran if they achieved a quick solution to end the months-long war.
Fears had grown that the war might intensify once more after Trump threatened to hit Iran “very hard” and apparently planned fresh massive attacks, particularly on energy facilities.
However, after meeting with Saudi Arabia’s crown prince, and following Tehran’s talks with Riyadh and mediators Pakistan and Turkey, the US president appeared to shift course.
Taking to his Truth social handle, Trump insisted the US was “locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” but added that “we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack”.
“Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform.
Iran’s Mehr news agency, quoting military officials, termed Trump’s assertion that Tehran requested him to desist “nothing but a new lie” and said Iran’s military was “on high alert and ready for any eventuality”.
According to Iranian state media, the Saudi and Iranian foreign ministers spoke on the phone, and Tehran also spoke with Pakistan and Turkey, which have served as mediators in the negotiations, regarding “the risk of escalating tensions and insecurity in the region”.
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Backstory…
The latest development on the Iran-Israel conflict comes after weeks of heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, during which both sides exchanged airstrikes targeting military facilities and strategic infrastructure.
The renewed hostilities raised fears of a broader regional conflict and prompted diplomatic efforts by the United States and its allies to prevent further escalation. Washington has maintained close coordination with Israel while also engaging regional partners to encourage de-escalation.
Recall that Trump and Israeli Prime Minister had recently had their first physical meeting since the Us-Middle East tension began.
President Donald Trump’s announcement of a pause in U.S. and Israeli strikes signals the latest attempt to create space for diplomacy after repeated warnings from the international community about the humanitarian and economic consequences of a prolonged conflict
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