Trump Pauses Iran Strikes, Demands Strait of Hormuz Access and Nuclear Concessions

On August 2, Trump offered to pause new strikes on Iran if a deal is reached quickly. He demanded the "immediate, complete, and total" reopening of the Strait of Hormuz — a critical oil shipping chokepoint — and an end to Iran's nuclear threat. He warned the US is "locked and loaded" for force "not seen since World War II." Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had urged de-escalation.