By Newsmax Wires | Sunday, 02 August 2026 05:59 PM EDT
President Donald Trump paused plans for a new military strike against Iran after Gulf allies urged restraint and mediators reported progress toward reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, The Wall Street Journal reported Sunday.
Trump announced early Sunday that he had called off the planned strikes, easing tensions with Tehran, at least temporarily.
The decision marked another shift in the president’s approach as he alternated between warning of military action and expressing optimism that diplomacy could produce a deal.
According to the Journal, regional mediators are working to broker a new ceasefire between the United States and Iran.
Qatari officials presented Iran with a fresh proposal Saturday aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply passes.
Iranian diplomats reportedly responded positively, though no agreement has been finalized.
Israel’s Channel 12 News reported Sunday that the deal would ensure the Strait of Hormuz remained open for 60 days without fees and renew a ceasefire between the two sides.
The proposal would establish new shipping routes through the waterway, which is bordered by Iran and Oman. One major unresolved issue remains Iran’s demand to collect fees from vessels using the strait, a condition the United States has rejected, the report said.
Iran also proposed new ideas Friday for reopening the waterway and securing relief from sanctions on its oil exports, according to regional officials cited by the Journal.
Before Trump announced the pause, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with the president and urged him to pursue dialogue to reduce regional tensions, according to Saudi state media and officials familiar with the call.
The Saudi government said diplomatic efforts could help preserve regional stability and help prevent a broader conflict. Officials also said the crown prince sought greater clarity on the Trump administration’s strategy toward Iran and the planned military operation.
Behind the scenes, Gulf governments have grown increasingly concerned about what they view as an unclear U.S. strategy as the conflict continues and Iranian attacks threaten the region, the Journal reported.
Gulf allies have also requested additional U.S. air-defense interceptors and assurances that American forces will continue protecting them if fighting escalates further.
