Trump calls off attack on Iran, demands Strait of Hormuz opening and end to nuclear threat; Israel joins commitment
US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he suspended a massive planned strike on Iran at Tehran's request, conditioning it on a rapid deal to fully open the Strait of Hormuz and eliminate Iran's nuclear threat. He said Israel joins the commitment.
Trump's announcement
President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social in the early hours of Sunday, 2 August 2026, that the United States stood ready to strike Iran with force unseen since the Second World War, but agreed to cancel the attack after Iran and other Middle Eastern nations asked him to hold back. He framed the decision as conditional on quick progress toward a broader agreement.
The United States is ready for an attack on the Islamic Republic of Iran with a level of military terror, force and power unprecedented since World War II.
In response to this request, I agreed, for the good of the world, as well as having in mind the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, on the condition that we are able to quickly reach an agreement.
Trump specified that the deal must cover "the immediate, complete and total opening of the Strait of Hormuz and the ending of Iran's nuclear threat." He added that "the state of Israel joins me in this commitment." The same message appeared on the official White House account on X. Israeli authorities had not yet commented on the announcement, Reuters reported.
Background of the conflict
The United States and Israel launched a military campaign against Iran on 28 February 2026. After a ceasefire approved in April, Israel withdrew from direct combat, but the US and Iran continued irregular, reciprocal strikes. In June, Washington and Tehran signed a preliminary truce, which was repeatedly violated.
- US and Israel begin war against Iran
- Israel approves ceasefire, withdraws from direct combat
- US and Iran sign preliminary truce, repeatedly violated
- Trump cancels planned massive attack, conditions agreement
Ahead of the weekend, the US administration had warned Americans in the Middle East to prepare for possible escalation. Several media outlets reported that the US and Israel were weighing one of the strongest attacks yet on Iran's energy infrastructure, which would have marked Israel's return to active operations against Iran. According to Reuters sources, the operational plan was discussed during a Friday cabinet meeting at Camp David. One source said several White House political advisors were firmly opposed to the plan. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump beforehand and cautioned him against further strikes, according to the Polish daily Rzeczpospolita.
Iran, for its part, threatened retaliation. The semi-official agencies Tasnim and Fars reported on Saturday that Tehran would strike critical infrastructure in Israel and Gulf states if attacked.
Gaza recovery effort
In a separate development, Gaza's civil defence said rescuers pulled the bodies of 112 people from the rubble of several homes in the Sabra district of southern Gaza City. The search operation lasted more than ten days. Among the dead were 40 children, 38 women, and seven people with disabilities. The head of the operation estimated that over 150 bodies could still lie under the debris.
- Children
- 40 people
- Women
- 38 people
- Disabled
- 7 people
- Other adults
- 27 people
Agence France-Presse cited estimates that several thousand people are still listed as missing in the Gaza Strip in connection with Israeli army operations between 2023 and 2025. Most are believed to have perished beneath the wreckage of destroyed buildings.
Lewandowski's first MLS goals
Polish national team captain Robert Lewandowski scored his first two goals in Major League Soccer overnight, leading Chicago Fire to a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. It was the forward's third match in the North American league.
