US military was prepared, hours away from strike on Iran when Trump canceled attack - report

The U.S. military was reportedly three hours away from launching strikes against Iran when President Donald Trump announced a deal had been reached, canceling the planned attack. U.S. officials familiar with the matter told NBC that military ships had already altered their operations and prepared munitions for the strikes upon receiving orders from Trump. The planned attacks were described as similar to those conducted the previous Wednesday, though Iran's Kharg Island was not initially on the target list, despite Trump's earlier threats. U.S. military plans to strike and potentially invade Kharg Island had been prepared for months, though never approved by the president. The military was reportedly more surprised by Trump's cancellation announcement than by his earlier threats of significant strikes. Two other officials indicated the cancellation followed discussions between Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Dan Caine regarding options on Iran. Trump announced the cancellation Thursday night, stating that a deal with Iran had been agreed upon and approved by all involved parties, including the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. He indicated the blockade would remain in place until the deal's finalization and that military operations against Kharg Island were off the table for now. Trump suggested the deal could be signed in Europe this weekend, with Vice President JD Vance attending. However, Israeli sources told Channel 12 that Israel does not recognize any agreement having been reached. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly spoke with Trump on Thursday night, and Trump confirmed this in comments to the press. Netanyahu's office stated that he appreciated Trump's commitment to a ceasefire agreement with Iran, which reportedly includes the removal of...

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The deal was approved "both in concept and great detail" by all involved parties, including the US, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and multiple other Middle Eastern countries.