WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said on August 1 that the United States would hold off on a fresh attack against Iran if a deal could be reached quickly to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and address Washington's concerns over Iran's nuclear programme. Trump announced the decision in a post on Truth Social following a telephone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The announcement came amid heightened tensions in the Middle East and continuing disruption to one of the world's most important maritime routes. The Strait of Hormuz is a vital passage for global energy supplies, with large volumes of crude oil and other petroleum products moving through the waterway each day. Prolonged disruption has therefore raised concerns about higher energy prices, inflation and pressure on economies that depend heavily on imported fuel. Trump said Iran and other countries had requested additional time to reach an agreement. He said the proposed arrangement would involve the immediate reopening of the strait and measures addressing what Washington describes as Iran's nuclear threat. The US president did not identify all the countries involved in the request. The announcement followed months of escalating confrontation between the United States, Israel and Iran. The conflict has affected regional security and created uncertainty for shipping companies and energy markets. Iran has continued to defend its position on its nuclear programme, while the United States and Israel have demanded restrictions on activities they say could enable Tehran to develop nuclear weapons. Iran has repeatedly maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes. The Strait of Hormuz has become one of the most sensitive points in the confrontation because of its importance to global energy trade. Any prolonged closure or disruption could affect oil and gas supplies and increase costs for importers around the world. Countries in Asia, Europe and other regions closely monitor developments in the waterway because of their dependence on Middle Eastern energy exports. Saudi Arabia has also been closely involved in diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions. The kingdom has sought to protect regional stability and ensure that disruptions to energy supplies do not produce wider economic consequences. Trump's conversation with the Saudi crown prince therefore came as Washington considered diplomatic options alongside its military posture. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Sunday that negotiations between Tehran and Oman concerning alternative arrangements for the Strait of Hormuz were in their final stages, according to Iran's official news agency IRNA. Iran's position indicated that diplomatic contacts were continuing even as tensions remained high. Israel, meanwhile, said it supported Trump's decision to give diplomacy an opportunity but maintained that it would act independently if Iran resumed nuclear or missile programmes that Israel considered a threat. The competing positions leave considerable uncertainty over whether the diplomatic opening can produce a lasting agreement. For global energy markets, the immediate concern is whether shipping through the strait can return to normal. Traders have already responded to the disruption by monitoring crude prices and assessing alternative routes. Any sustained reduction in energy shipments could raise costs for consumers and businesses and place additional pressure on inflation. The situation also has implications for countries outside the Middle East. Higher oil prices can increase transportation and production costs, particularly in economies that rely heavily on imported petroleum products. Developing countries could face additional pressure on foreign-exchange reserves and household incomes if fuel prices remain elevated. Trump's decision to delay further military action therefore represents both a diplomatic opening and a temporary pause in a wider confrontation. Whether the pause develops into a lasting agreement will depend on negotiations involving Iran, the United States and other regional actors. For now, international attention remains focused on the Strait of Hormuz and on whether the latest diplomatic efforts can prevent another escalation in the Middle East.