Trump Calls Off Iran Strikes, Hints at Imminent Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday he had withdrawn the threat of further strikes against Iran, stating a deal to end the war could be signed in the coming days. Trump's announcement fueled a stock market rally and caused oil prices to tank, though Iran's foreign ministry spokesman indicated Tehran had not reached a final conclusion on any agreement.

“

had not reached a final conclusion on the agreement

Trump claimed that talks with Iran had been "brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved," adding that he had "cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening." He promised the time and place of the signing would be announced shortly. He also stated that the finer points of the arrangement had been approved by the United States and its allies in the region, including Israel, which jointly launched the war in February.

“

brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved

The Tasnim news agency, however, noted that Trump had announced a deal was imminent 38 times in the previous two months. It warned that "Until Iran announces the matter of a potential understanding, any news from Trump on this subject should be regarded the same as his previous messaging." Later, Trump told reporters, "I understand the answer is yes," when asked if Iranian supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei had approved the deal.

“

cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the Israeli leader spoke with Trump, who vowed any memorandum of understanding would include the removal of Tehran's enriched nuclear material and the dismantling of missile infrastructure. The World Bank had earlier revised down its global growth forecast, warning of the expanding economic impacts of the war. Despite Trump's optimistic announcement, stocks surged and oil futures dropped more than three percent. The war, which began Feb. 28 with U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, had paused under an April truce, but efforts to hammer out a permanent end appeared stalled. Tehran's mayor announced the former supreme leader's funeral would be delayed. Trump's statement suggested back-channel mediation led by U.S. allies like Pakistan and Qatar may have been successful, despite his earlier threats to hit Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT."

“

Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly