Trump cancels strikes against Iran: deal close, but naval blockade of Hormuz remains.

Donald Trump announced that he had canceled the attacks and bombings against Iran scheduled for that evening, explaining that discussions with the Islamic Republic would be brought to the highest levels of the Iranian leadership and finalized. In a message published on Truth, the US president maintained that the agreement would be accepted "both in concept and in detail" by all parties involved, citing, among others, the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt. Trump did not clarify the content of the agreement, but said that the location and date of the signing would be announced soon.

The naval blockade remains in force

Despite the backtracking on the announced strikes, Washington is not backing down on the naval blockade. Trump has specified that the measure will remain "fully in effect" until the agreement is finalized, thus maintaining high pressure on Iran and its maritime energy exports. The key issue remains the Strait of Hormuz, a strategic passageway for global oil and gas flows, which Tehran has declared closed "until further notice," while the US Central Command maintains that maritime transit is not interrupted and that safe corridors have been opened for commercial vessels not involved in violating the blockade against Iran.

From threats to a U-turn

Trump's decision comes after hours of intense tension and contradictory statements. In the hours preceding the decision, the US president had written that the United States would strike Iran "hard," claiming the destruction or neutralization of Iran's Navy, Air Force, radar, anti-aircraft defenses, and much of its offensive capabilities. In an interview with Fox News, he also stated that he was less interested in a deal than a few weeks earlier and raised the possibility of taking control of Kharg Island and other Iranian oil infrastructure, while reiterating that he did not intend to send ground troops into the country.

Tehran denies and threatens a response

The American version has been strongly contested by Tehran. The Revolutionary Guards denied claims that Iranian authorities had contacted Trump to demand an end to the bombing, calling the reconstruction a pretext to avoid war. The Guards reiterated that Iran is ready to respond militarily to any aggression, while the commander of the Revolutionary Guards' aerospace forces, Majid Mousavi, threatened the United States, stating that in the event of insecurity in the Strait of Hormuz, the region would become "a hell" for American forces.

Hormuz at the center of the conflict

The Strait of Hormuz remains the most sensitive point in the crisis. Iran's maritime authority has announced the complete closure of the passage, urging those who had obtained transit permits to await further instructions. CentCom's position is the opposite, stating that the Strait remains open to maritime traffic and that Iran does not control its transit. Tensions have also increased following the US intervention against an oil tanker accused of violating the blockade: the US Central Command reportedly struck the M/T Jalveer, flying the Guinea-Bissau flag, after the crew refused to obey US forces' orders.

Iranian funds to compensate Gulf allies

On the economic front, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that any damages suffered by U.S. allies in the Gulf will be compensated using funds seized from Iranian accounts. The mechanism was not specified, but Washington's message is aimed at increasing financial pressure on Tehran. Bessent added that any attack launched by Iran would further exacerbate the economic and financial consequences for the country, already at the center of a military and diplomatic crisis that risks having direct repercussions on global energy markets.

Attacks, casualties and damage in the region

In the hours before the U-turn was announced, the conflict had already caused further damage and injuries. Iran reported that a US projectile had hit an Iranian cargo barge off the Gulf of Oman, while US strikes also affected areas in the south of the country and towns near the capital, including Karaj, Nazarebad, and Pishva. Three people were reportedly injured in Tehran province. Three Indian sailors, initially reported missing, were also reported dead after an attack on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. In Bahrain, Iranian strikes reportedly slightly injured an 11-year-old girl and damaged homes and cars, while the Jordanian army reported intercepting missiles aimed at the Azraq area.

Diplomacy is trying to reopen a glimmer of hope

Despite the exchange of attacks and threats, diplomatic channels have never been completely cut off. According to CNN, talks between the United States and Iran continued even after the overnight airstrikes, while diplomatic sources cited by regional media reported intensified efforts by Pakistan and Qatar. Tehran, however, has denied that negotiations are underway along the lines described by the United States, maintaining that it has not backed down from its red lines. In this context, international mediation remains fragile, while China, Russia, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia have called on the parties to exercise restraint to avoid further escalation.

Italy looks to navigation safety

Italy is also closely monitoring the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani reiterated that a potential international coalition could intervene only after a ceasefire has been reached, with the aim of guaranteeing freedom of navigation. President Sergio Mattarella called for the Strait's complete reopening, emphasizing the risk that closing strategic sea passages could set a dangerous precedent and damage the entire international network, with serious consequences not only for the countries directly involved but also for populations and global economies.

Energy markets and the risk of global shock

The crisis in the Gulf is fueling fears of a shock to energy markets and supply chains. The blockage or even instability of the Strait of Hormuz could impact the prices of oil, gas, transportation, logistics, fertilizers, animal feed, and food products. The prospect of widespread price increases worries governments and businesses, while military uncertainty makes it more difficult to predict the impact on the international economy. The possible agreement announced by Trump could provide a glimmer of hope, but the lack of details on the agreement and Iranian denials keep the situation extremely volatile.

A truce yet to be verified

Trump's announcement marks a potential turning point, but it does not resolve the crisis. On the one hand, the US president maintains that an agreement is now close and approved by all parties involved; on the other, Tehran rejects Washington's reconstruction efforts and continues to threaten military response in the event of new hostile actions. As long as the naval blockade remains in place, Hormuz will remain a symbol of American pressure and Iran's ability to influence regional balances. The signing of the agreement, if confirmed, will be the true test of whether the conflict can be resolved or whether the announced truce will remain merely a tactical pause in a still-open crisis.