TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would pause new planned attacks on Iran while seeking to renew talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict and restoring cargo traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement follows a pattern of previous statements from Trump, where he has alternated between threatening military action and calling for negotiations.
The conflict has resulted in rising prices for oil and essential goods. Trump's past announcements regarding pauses in military action against Iran include:
- **April 7**: The U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, announced by Trump shortly before a deadline for Tehran to comply with U.S. demands. - **April 21**: Trump extended the ceasefire indefinitely, responding to requests from mediators for more time for Iranian leaders to propose solutions. This ceasefire ended on May 8 with U.S. strikes on Iranian tankers. - **May 18**: After issuing threats, Trump stated he would hold off on military action due to ongoing negotiations, which later fell through, leading to renewed strikes by May 27. - **June 11**: Following threats of escalation, Trump announced a breakthrough in negotiations and canceled planned strikes. - **June 17**: Trump signed an initial agreement with Iran aimed at ending hostilities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while leaving the option to revert to military action open. - **July 7**: Following Iranian attacks, Trump ordered new strikes while attending a NATO summit and indicated he would continue military action. - **July 27**: Trump paused strikes to allow for negotiations after a series of military actions targeting Iranian sites. - **Aug. 1**: Trump announced he had canceled planned strikes, citing progress in negotiations with Middle Eastern allies, while Iran's defense minister stated the country remained vigilant in response to threats.