Manas Dasgupta
NEW DELHI, Aug 2: Even as the Iranian media denied the President Donald Trump’s assertions that Tehran had requested the US to refrain from conducting new raids, Mr Trump hinting at a possibility of ending the West Asia war on Sunday claimed that a framework for stopping the ongoing conflict with Iran was “taking shape.”
Mr Trump also said he would hold off ordering fresh US strikes for now, citing efforts to reach a broader agreement involving regional allies and that the deal would include “Immediate, complete and total opening of the Strait of Hormuz” and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. He also claimed that Israel had agreed to work with the United States in pursuing the agreement.
Announcing his decision, Trump said he had agreed to cancel a planned military attack, provided meaningful progress was made towards a deal. “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 wrote on Truth Social.
Iranian media while denying Mr Trump’s assertion about Tehran’s request to avoid fresh strikes cited military officials to claim the allegation “was nothing but a new lie” and that the Iranian armed forces were “on high alert and ready for any eventuality.” The report was in denial of Mr Trump’s earlier statement that the U.S. was “ready to go against the Islamic republic” but that Tehran and other West Asian countries had asked him to hold off on fresh strikes. He had said he had made the decision, subject to reaching a deal with Iran.
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. Iran, however, warned this weekend against any “adventurous action” by the U.S. and said it would retaliate decisively if American forces attempt to carry out Trump’s threats.
Earlier on Saturday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump and expressed concerns over the possibility of further US military action against Iran as Trump weighed additional strikes against Iran.
According to the source, Saudi Arabia was concerned that if the United States targets Iran’s energy infrastructure or launches major attacks on key facilities, Tehran could retaliate by striking energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. The Crown Prince also sought clarity from Trump on the possible military options under consideration.
While the White House confirmed that the two leaders spoke, it declined to disclose details of the conversation.
Although Saudi Arabia earlier this week joined the United States in striking logistics and weapons sites used by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, Riyadh has continued to urge both Washington and Tehran to return to negotiations. The Crown Prince also sent his brother, Saudi Defence Minister Khalid bin Salman, to Washington earlier this week for separate meetings with Trump and Vice President JD Vance to discuss the evolving situation.