U.S.-Iran tensions have taken a dramatic turn after escalating sharply. According to media reports, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on social media that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested the U.S. to delay a military strike. In response to this request, he agreed to cancel the planned military action.

Trump indicated that the relevant parties have reached a preliminary framework for an agreement, which includes the immediate, comprehensive, and complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz, while also eliminating the nuclear threat posed by Iran. He stated that the cancellation of military action is conditional on the parties being able to finalize the agreement quickly, and Israel has joined him in making this commitment.

Just hours earlier, the situation in the Middle East was on the verge of spiraling out of control. The U.S. State Department issued a broad security warning to American citizens in the region, advising them to consider leaving or preparing for an emergency evacuation. Kuwait reported an attack by an Iranian drone, while Iran warned that it had prepared a counterattack plan targeting Israel's critical infrastructure and U.S. energy facilities.

According to sources cited by media, Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had specifically called Trump to express concern over a potential U.S. strike on Iran and urged de-escalation. Trump's decision to halt the operation has temporarily cooled the rising military risks, which will also impact energy markets and the geopolitical risk premium in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia's Urgent Mediation Leads to Trump Halting the Strike

On August 2, media reports citing multiple sources said that before Trump announced the cancellation of the strike plan, Mohammed bin Salman had a phone call with him, reiterating Saudi Arabia's desire for de-escalation and expressing concern over a potential U.S. military strike on Iran.

Reports indicate that mediators such as Qatar and Pakistan have also been in intensive communication with the U.S. and Iran, including contacts with Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff, in an effort to prevent further escalation of the conflict.

Before announcing the cancellation of the action, Trump had never formally signed a military strike order. Earlier, he had stated in a cabinet meeting that the U.S. would "strike hard" against Iran.

The U.S. and Israel Once Prepared for a Massive Strike

Earlier, reports indicated that the U.S. and Israel were planning to escalate strikes against Iran, with energy facilities as potential targets.

According to U.S. sources cited by media, the U.S. and Israel were planning to launch "the most intense bombing yet" against Iran's energy infrastructure targets, an operation that could last the entire weekend. Targets included power plants, refineries, and other Iranian energy infrastructure. Plans to cut off electricity supply to Tehran were also under discussion.

Separately, sources revealed that U.S. Central Command Commander General Michael Kurilla drafted an escalation plan for operations against Iran, the core of which involved 10 to 14 days of intense bombing to significantly weaken Iran's missile capabilities and break the stalemate.

As the situation continued to escalate, the U.S. State Department issued a broad security warning on August 1 to American citizens in the Middle East, advising them to consider leaving the area or preparing for a rapid evacuation should the situation deteriorate, and reminding them to be aware of risks such as flight cancellations and airspace closures.

On the same day, U.S. embassies and consulates in multiple countries, including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Oman, and Israel, all issued security alerts.

Meanwhile, Kuwait reported that it had been attacked by an Iranian drone early that morning. Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi, in calls with Pakistani and Turkish officials, warned the U.S. not to take any "adventurous actions" or else Iran would respond decisively.

Iran Previously Sent Strong Signals: Counterattack Plans Ready for Immediate Activation

Against the backdrop of sustained pressure from the U.S. and Israel, Iran had also previously sent strong signals.

According to media reports, Iran's Foreign Ministry issued a statement on August 1, declaring that Iran is determined to continue on the path of resistance and steadfastness until the enemy's evil actions are completely eliminated. The statement said that the U.S. continues to violate the terms of the June 18 U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, imposing a maritime blockade on Iranian ports and commercial vessels, and launching persistent brutal attacks and increasing economic pressure. In response, Iranian armed forces' defensive strikes are continuing unabated.

Separately, a senior Iranian security official revealed early on August 1 that Iran has developed a comprehensive counterattack plan, with targets including Israel's critical infrastructure and U.S. energy facilities in the Middle East, which can be activated at any time.

Counterattack Plan Targets Energy, Gulf Oil and Gas Facilities Become Key Risk Points

In the strong signals previously released by Iran, energy facilities have become a core focus for the outside world.

Reports indicate that Iran may have included key oil and gas assets of several Gulf countries in its potential retaliation scope, including core energy facilities in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar. This information has not been officially confirmed, but market concerns suggest that if the U.S.-Iran conflict expands, the scope of strikes could spill over from Iran's territory to the entire Gulf energy system.

Key energy nodes under scrutiny include Saudi Arabia's Ghawar oil field, Abqaiq and Khurais oil facilities, the UAE's Ruwais refinery and Zakum oil field, as well as Qatar's North Field and Ras Laffan liquefied natural gas facilities. These facilities are involved in the world's major crude oil production areas and natural gas supply bases, and any impact on them could significantly affect international energy supplies.

Analysts believe that the key objective behind Iran's potential counterattack plan is energy, increasing pressure by threatening the energy lifelines of the U.S. and its allies. Energy facilities in the Gulf region are highly concentrated, and any spillover of conflict could disrupt crude oil and natural gas supplies and push up global energy prices.

Currently, the U.S.-Iran situation is temporarily easing, but energy risks remain a market focus. If diplomatic efforts fail, these risks could re-emerge as a significant factor driving up oil prices.