Iran-US escalation cools after diplomatic efforts and warnings

Iran intensified its diplomatic outreach to Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan in the hours leading up to President Donald Trump's announcement of a canceled U.S. bombing campaign against the Islamic Republic. Tehran also reiterated its warnings of a "decisive" response to any American attack. During the final hours of Saturday, Iran engaged in separate phone conversations between its Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, and key officials from Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia. The goal was to de-escalate the regional situation amid reports of potential U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

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The Islamic Republic of Iran is fully prepared to defend its sovereignty, its territorial integrity, and its national security.

Araghchi stressed Iran's readiness to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning that "any aggression, hostile action by the United States and the Zionist regime (Israel), or the participation and cooperation of countries in the region, will be met with a decisive and proportionate response from our powerful Armed Forces." Regional concerns were highlighted by Riyadh's fear that an attack on Iranian energy facilities could trigger retaliatory strikes on Saudi oil and gas installations. An Iranian lawmaker further suggested that any response might extend beyond the Persian Gulf, with military officials indicating that countries facilitating U.S. operations could become targets.

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Any aggression, hostile action by the United States and the Zionist regime (Israel), or the participation and cooperation of countries in the region, will be met with a decisive and proportionate response from our powerful Armed Forces.

Amid these diplomatic maneuvers and cross-threats, Trump decided to suspend the operation. According to the White House, Iran and other Middle Eastern countries requested a postponement of any attack, as parameters for a potential agreement had been reached. This agreement reportedly includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to the Iranian nuclear threat. Trump confirmed on Truth Social, "I have accepted to cancel the attack (...) as long as we can quickly reach an agreement," though he did not specify the terms of this understanding or whether it represented a new roadmap or a continuation of existing negotiations.

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I have accepted to cancel the attack (...) as long as we can quickly reach an agreement.