Trump cancels strikes on Iran as Araghchi holds talks with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey

US President Donald Trump canceled planned strikes on Iran on Sunday, saying Middle Eastern countries had reached the parameters of a deal to end the five-month war. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi then held calls with Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkey on regional tensions, Iran's state news agency IRNA reported.

Why did Trump cancel the strikes on Iran?

Trump halted the new strikes a day after signaling the United States was close to resuming major military action against Tehran. He said Middle Eastern countries had reached the parameters of a deal aimed at ending the five-month war between Iran, the US and Israel.

Who did Iran's foreign minister speak with?

Araghchi spoke separately by telephone with Pakistan's Chief of Defense Forces, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The calls were meant to review the latest regional developments, IRNA reported.

What did Araghchi discuss in the calls?

During the calls, Araghchi raised what IRNA described as ongoing conspiracies and aggressive acts by the United States and Israel against Iran. He also pointed to the consequences of what the agency called aggressive and destabilizing US actions, warning that tensions could keep rising across the Middle East.

What warning did Iran give the US and Israel?

Araghchi said any hostile action by the United States and Israel, or participation by regional countries in such action, would draw a decisive and proportionate response from Iran, according to IRNA. The warning came as the State Department issued fresh security alerts on Saturday. Those alerts advised American citizens in the Middle East to prepare for possible flight cancellations, temporary airspace closures and other travel disruptions.

What is the background of the US-Israel conflict with Iran?

The United States and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, starting a conflict Trump said was meant to destroy Iran's missile capabilities, stop it from obtaining a nuclear weapon and end its support for allied armed groups. Trump has said the objectives and timeline of the conflict shifted over time, and an earlier agreement reached in mid-June to halt the fighting later collapsed. Iran has repeatedly attacked vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz without its authorization during the conflict.