Trump calls off planned weekend strikes on new Iran targets as he hints at shock deal to REOPEN Strait of Hormuz

By WILL POTTER, US SENIOR NEWS REPORTER Published: 03:23, 2 August 2026 | Updated: 03:28, 2 August 2026 Donald Trump says he has called off anticipated strikes on Iran this weekend 'subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL'.  The president said on Truth Social on Saturday evening that although he remains 'locked and loaded' to launch an attack, he halted the strikes in hopes of reaching a peace deal.  Trump's announcement came after reports claimed he was talked down by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over concerns that further strikes could escalate the conflict in the Middle East out of control.  Sources told Axios that the Crown Prince urged Trump to de-escalate the situation, with the White House and Tehran trading threats of destruction in recent days.  In Trump's Truth Social post on Saturday night, he threatened to unleash 'power not seen since World War II', but said he agreed to tentatively pause the attack.  'We have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to,' Trump wrote.  'This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.  'Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL.  'The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE. Thank you for your attention to this matter!' Donald Trump says he has called off anticipated strikes on Iran this weekend 'subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL' Donald Trump says he has called off anticipated strikes on Iran this weekend 'subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL'