Trump climbs down on Iran strikes in expectation of 'rapidly' reaching a deal

Donald Trump has said he cancelled planned military strikes against Iran on the basis of "rapidly" reaching a deal on its nuclear programme and the full reopening of the strait of Hormuz.
The US president paused the strikes in expectation of a breakthrough and in response to requests from Iran and other countries in the region, he claimed on his Truth Social platform on Saturday.
"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 deal would include the immediate and complete reopening of the strait and "an end to Iran's nuclear threat", he posted. It marked the latest climbdown from extravagant threats to pound the Islamic Republic in the months-long conflict.
However, hopes of a breakthrough faded on Sunday when Iran's Mehr news agency said Trump's claim that Tehran had requested a pause "was nothing but a new lie" and that the Iranian armed forces were "on high alert and ready for any eventuality".
Another Iranian news agency, Fars, citing a source close to Iranian negotiators, said that as long as the US "maintains its hostile actions" the strait would remain closed.
The decision to halt fresh strikes came after the Saudi crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, called Trump on Saturday to express concerns, it was reported.
One source described as having knowledge of the Trump-Prince Mohammed call told Axios that the Saudi crown prince had "urged Trump to de-escalate and refrain from launching the strikes".
The Associated Press (AP) also reported the conversation, citing its own source. It said the Saudis were concerned that if the US targeted Iran's energy infrastructure or carried out massive strikes on other key infrastructure, Tehran could respond by carrying out similar attacks on the kingdom and other Gulf countries.
CBS News reported that the US and Israel were planning joint strikes, possibly throughout the weekend, with oil refineries and power plants among possible targets.
The developments appeared to have given Trump pause for thought, as he posted on Saturday night in characteristically grandiose language that "the USA is locked and loaded" to strike Iran with "military terror, strength, and power not seen since World War II".