No breakthrough on Strait of Hormuz as Trump halts attack on Iran
US President Donald Trump has announced a halt to threatened military strikes against Iran following discussions about potential agreement terms, though no resolution has emerged regarding Strait of Hormuz management. Iran's defence ministry dismissed Trump's pullback as psychological operations, while mediators including Qatar continue diplomatic efforts.
President Donald Trump has once again postponed a major military operation against Iran, citing progress toward a potential agreement that would include opening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear programme. However, the strategic waterway remains a point of contention with no clear resolution in sight.
According to Iran's IRGC-affiliated Fars news outlet, numerous vessels were positioned in the northern corridor of the strait within Iranian territorial waters on Sunday, unable to proceed without Iranian armed forces authorization. Iranian authorities indicated the same constraint applies to the southern corridor passing through Omani waters.
Iran's acting Defence Minister Majid Ebn-e-Reza characterized Trump's decision to halt strikes as part of "psychological operations and a war of calculations." The brigadier general stated that Iran's armed forces treat each threat as genuine and will neither be caught off guard nor remain passive. Iran's wartime military command had previously warned that US and regional interests could face retaliatory strikes if Washington attacks civilian infrastructure such as power plants and petrochemical facilities.
Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump before the announcement, with state media emphasizing his focus on dialogue to reduce escalation and achieve diplomatic resolution. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also engaged in phone discussions with his Saudi counterpart Faisal bin Farhan.
In Tehran, residents expressed mixed reactions. Some Iranians noted Trump's pattern of making threats before announcing ceasefires, as occurred in April. Additional mediators including Pakistan, Qatar, Oman, and Turkey have been exchanging messages attempting to facilitate US-Iran agreement.
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