On 2 August 2026, US President Donald Trump announced that he has cancelled planned strikes against Iran, provided a deal can be struck rapidly with the country. This decision was made in conjunction with Israel, according to Trump’s post on Truth Social. The US president stated that the deal would include the immediate opening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump claimed that the US was prepared to launch a powerful attack on Iran, with military strength not seen since World War II, but decided to hold off after being asked by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to allow time for a deal to be reached. The US government had previously warned Americans in the Middle East to be prepared to leave the region should tensions escalate. Trump’s announcement comes amid reports that the US and Israel were planning intense strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure. The US and Iran have been engaged in escalating strikes and counter-strikes since a ceasefire fell apart in June. The situation in the region remains volatile, with significant fluctuations in oil prices since the outbreak of war on 28 February.
Image for illustration purposes only
📰 Source: BBC World