U.S. Cancels Planned Strikes on Iran as Trump Signals Imminent Deal

President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he had called off planned military strikes against Iran, stating that negotiations had reached the "highest level" of Iranian leadership and received official approval. Trump expressed optimism that a deal could be reached soon, according to reports.

In a social media post, Trump stated he ordered the cancellation of "strikes and bombing" after diplomatic talks advanced and were endorsed by Iran's leadership. He claimed that the fundamental aspects of a potential agreement had been coordinated among various stakeholders, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt. Trump also indicated that a maritime blockade on Iran would remain in effect until a final deal is signed, with the signing details to be announced shortly.

Speaking to reporters, the U.S. president suggested the agreement might be signed as early as the upcoming weekend, potentially in Europe. However, officials in Tehran reacted with caution. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that no final decision had been made regarding the agreement and that relevant authorities were still reviewing the issue. Iran's Tasnim news agency also pointed out Trump's repeated claims of imminent agreements over the past two months, advising prudence until official confirmation from Tehran.

Despite the cautious response from Iran, Trump later told reporters he believed Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, had already approved the deal. This development follows previous warnings from Trump about potential large-scale strikes and suggestions that the U.S. might seize control of key Iranian oil and gas infrastructure, such as Kharg Island, which handles about 90% of the country's oil exports.

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We will take control of Kharg Island in the foreseeable future, along with other oil and gas facilities…