President Donald Trump announced Saturday night that the US is canceling a planned attack on Iran, saying deal parameters have been agreed upon, including immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.
By Imran Malik | World Affairs Desk | MediaBites.com.pk
In a dramatic late-night announcement that sent immediate shockwaves through global energy markets and diplomatic circles, US President Donald Trump declared Saturday that the United States is canceling a planned attack on Iran — citing progress in negotiations and agreement on the parameters of a potential deal.
“The US is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” Trump said, before adding that he had agreed to requests by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries “to hold off any attack in that the parameters of a deal have been agreed to.”
The Deal’s Key Terms
Trump outlined two central pillars of the proposed agreement. The immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping — the critical waterway through which approximately 20% of the world’s oil supply passes and which Iran had effectively restricted in recent weeks. And an end to Iran’s nuclear threat — a condition that represents the United States’ most fundamental strategic objective in its confrontation with Tehran.
Trump also confirmed that Israel joins him in the pause in strikes, while stressing that the ceasefire remains contingent on “being able to rapidly make a DEAL.”
No strikes from the US inside Iran had been reported in several days prior to the announcement, following what Trump previously described as a “heavy wave of strikes” targeting Iran on Wednesday.
Pakistan’s Role in the Diplomatic Push
The diplomatic activity preceding Trump’s announcement involved significant Pakistani participation. Officials from mediating nations including Qatar and Pakistan had been urgently working to prevent further escalation, fielding calls with officials from both Iran and the United States, including Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held a direct call with Pakistani Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to posts on Araghchi’s Telegram channel, as Iran communicated its positions through multiple regional channels simultaneously.
Pakistan’s role in the diplomatic channel reflects its unique positioning as a country with trusted relationships on multiple sides of the conflict — a role Pakistani officials have cultivated carefully through months of back-channel engagement.
Saudi Arabia’s Intervention
Trump also spoke Saturday with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to four sources familiar with the matter. The Crown Prince reinforced Saudi Arabia’s strong desire for de-escalation during the call and raised concerns about planned US strikes on Iran.
Earlier in the week, US and Saudi fighter aircraft had struck multiple sites in Iraq after drones were launched from Iranian-backed militias toward Saudi Arabia — a development that had significantly raised fears of broader regional escalation.
What Happens Next
The announcement represents a significant diplomatic moment but not a final resolution. Trump’s own language — emphasizing that the pause remains contingent on rapidly completing a deal — signals that military options remain firmly on the table if negotiations falter.
Global oil prices, which had risen sharply on fears of Strait of Hormuz disruption, were expected to fall significantly when markets open following the announcement.
