Lead

US President Donald Trump says he will order American forces to hold off on new strikes against Iran, saying Middle East allies have reached the parameters of a deal to end the five-month-old war. The emerging deal, as described by Mr Trump on Truth Social, "would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat." He added, "Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL."

However, a contrasting report from TASS — English, citing The Wall Street Journal, says Mr Trump has ordered a fresh attack on Iran aimed at getting Tehran to surrender, which could begin as soon as this weekend and would last a few days. According to the sources cited by TASS, Trump has complained to confidants that the memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran was ultimately meaningless. Officials quoted by the paper said, "The frustration is mutual. <...> There is a lack of trust between the two countries, and relations and the prospects for diplomacy deteriorate every time Trump threatens military force."

Coverage Comparison

The two reports present sharply different pictures of the immediate US posture toward Iran. ABC Australia reports Trump's decision to hold off on strikes, framing it as a response to emerging deal parameters. TASS — English, on the other hand, reports an imminent attack order, drawing on The Wall Street Journal's sourcing. The ABC report also notes that Mr Trump had threatened more strikes on Friday as the US pressed for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a threat that is consistent with TASS's account of a potential attack.

The ABC report includes details of a phone call between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Mr Trump, during which the crown prince raised concerns about potential US escalation with Iran. A person familiar with the discussion said the Saudis are concerned that Tehran could respond with attacks on the energy infrastructure of the kingdom and other Gulf countries. A White House official confirmed the leaders spoke on Saturday but offered no further detail.

In addition, the ABC report notes that Kuwait responded to a new round of drone attacks from Iran, and that Israel carried out heavy strikes on the Gaza Strip after the Palestinian militant group Hamas agreed to disarm.

TASS — English also reports that CBS News earlier reported the US and Israel were planning what would be one of the harshest bombing campaigns to date against energy infrastructure targets in Iran.

Key Claims

  • Trump's hold-off on strikes (ABC Australia): President Trump says he has agreed to cancel an attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a deal, based on a request from Middle East allies.
  • Deal parameters (ABC Australia): The emerging deal would include opening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear threat.
  • Imminent attack order (TASS — English, citing The Wall Street Journal): Trump has ordered a fresh attack that could begin this weekend and last a few days.
  • Frustration with memorandum (TASS — English, citing The Wall Street Journal): Trump has complained that the memorandum of understanding signed by Washington and Tehran was ultimately meaningless.
  • Saudi concerns (ABC Australia, citing a person familiar and a White House official): Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman raised concerns about potential escalation and sought clarity on US action.
  • Kuwait response to drone attacks (ABC Australia): Kuwait responded to a new round of drone attacks from Iran.
  • Israel strikes on Gaza (ABC Australia): Israel carried out heavy strikes on the Gaza Strip after Hamas agreed to disarm.
  • CBS News report (TASS — English): CBS News reported that the US and Israel were planning a harsh bombing campaign against energy infrastructure targets in Iran.

Perspectives

US Administration (via ABC Australia): President Trump frames the decision to hold off on strikes as a move for the benefit of the world and Iran, conditioned on a rapid deal. He says Israel agreed to join the US in the commitment to complete the agreement.

Saudi Arabia (via ABC Australia, citing a person familiar with the call): Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is concerned about US escalation and the potential for Iranian retaliation against Gulf energy infrastructure.

Iran (not directly quoted, but implied via TASS — English): Sources cited by The Wall Street Journal describe mutual frustration and a lack of trust between the US and Iran, suggesting Tehran's perspective is one of deteriorating diplomatic prospects.