US President Donald Trump has announced that Washington would pause planned fresh military strikes against Iran, citing an agreement on the "parameters" of a possible peace deal between the two countries. The proposed truce framework includes measures related to Iran's nuclear programme, regional security and the reopening of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. However, uncertainty remains as Israel has indicated that it will continue military operations against Iran and its affiliated groups when it considers them necessary.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the United States remained prepared to use military force against Iran, describing American forces as "locked and loaded" and capable of carrying out action on a scale not seen since World War II. He claimed that Iran and other countries in the Middle East had requested Washington to delay an attack after agreeing to the broad outlines of a deal. The proposed arrangement would include the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT" and steps aimed at ending concerns over Iran's nuclear activities.
Trump said the decision to halt the planned attack would remain conditional on the ability to quickly finalise an agreement. He also stated that Israel had joined the commitment, urging all parties involved to move forward rapidly. However, Israeli officials responded cautiously, indicating that their military operations against Iran and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah would continue whenever required to protect Israel's national security interests.
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The proposed truce builds on a 14-point memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran on June 17. Under that framework, both sides had agreed to halt strikes and expand a ceasefire arrangement that was initially reached in April. The agreement included proposals such as reopening the Strait of Hormuz, ending the US naval blockade of Iranian ports, Iran committing not to pursue nuclear weapons, easing American sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian assets.
The earlier framework also incorporated a separate ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, although Israel had maintained that it was not a direct party to that arrangement. The temporary truce later collapsed after hostilities between Washington and Tehran resumed on July 8, leading to renewed tensions in the region.
Trump's latest proposal comes shortly after he ordered a new wave of strikes on Iran, according to reports. During a Cabinet meeting, he had warned that the United States would respond with strong military action, suggesting Iran could eventually be forced to seek a diplomatic resolution. The latest developments indicate a possible shift towards negotiations, although differences between the United States, Iran and Israel continue to pose challenges for any lasting agreement.
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