WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States and Israel have agreed to suspend any planned military action against Iran, saying the decision depends on the swift conclusion of a diplomatic agreement aimed at easing months of heightened regional tensions.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the United States remained fully prepared to use military force if necessary, describing the country’s military readiness as being at levels “not seen since the Second World War.”
“The USA is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of military strength and power not seen since the Second World War,” Trump wrote.
Despite the military preparedness, Trump said he had decided to pause any immediate action after receiving requests from Iran and several Middle Eastern countries urging Washington to avoid launching an attack.
He said the decision was made in the interest of regional stability and expressed hope that diplomacy could produce a lasting resolution.
“Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the world and the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a deal,” he said.
Trump added that any agreement must include the immediate and unrestricted reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, as well as firm guarantees addressing Iran’s nuclear programme.
He also said Israel fully supports the US position and has joined the conditional pause in military action.
“The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it done,” Trump said.
The announcement comes after months of rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, marked by repeated US warnings over Iran’s nuclear activities and security concerns in the Gulf. While Trump’s statement signals a renewed push for diplomacy, he stressed that military options remain on the table if negotiations fail.
Rubio: US Strikes Increased Pressure on Iran
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said recent American military strikes have increased pressure on Iran and made Tehran more willing to engage in negotiations.
Speaking to Fox News, Rubio said the strikes had significantly degraded Iran’s conventional military capabilities, although he acknowledged that Tehran still possesses missiles and drones capable of carrying out attacks.
He added that the United States expects any future talks to address both Iran’s nuclear programme and the security of the Strait of Hormuz.
