President Donald Trump announced Saturday he would delay planned military strikes against Iran after Tehran and Gulf state mediators requested more time to finalize a potential agreement aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and halting Iran's nuclear weapons program.

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the United States "is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran," but agreed to pause attacks after Iran and other Middle Eastern nations indicated "the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to."

Deal Framework Emerges

The proposed framework would require immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway Iran has largely closed during the five-month conflict. The strait serves as a conduit for 20 percent of global oil and liquefied natural gas, and its closure has driven energy prices higher and contributed to broader inflation.

Trump emphasized the agreement would include "an end to Iran's nuclear threat," though specific verification mechanisms remain unclear. Iran has long denied seeking nuclear weapons, while insisting on sanctions relief and recognition of its control over the vital shipping channel.

Diplomatic Path Opens

The president told ABC News on Monday that negotiations with Tehran are "looking good, looking good," and predicted an agreement "over the next week." He credited conversations with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran for prompting him to call off what would have been a "massive attack" on Friday.

Israel has joined the United States in the pause, contingent on reaching a final deal. The announcement comes after no strikes have been reported inside Iran for several days, following what Trump described as a "heavy wave of strikes" targeting the country earlier last week.

Regional Impact

The conflict, which began February 28, 2026, has left thousands dead across Iran, Lebanon, Israel and Gulf Arab states, with millions displaced throughout the region. Seventeen U.S. service members have been killed and more than 430 wounded since hostilities began.

Iran's demands include lifting international sanctions, releasing billions in frozen assets, and securing recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz. The Trump administration has maintained that any deal must include verifiable guarantees Iran will not develop nuclear weapons.

Mediators believe the two sides remain in serious negotiations despite unresolved differences. The talks represent the first potential diplomatic resolution since the conflict erupted five months ago following US-Israeli airstrikes that killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials.