US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that he had called off a planned military attack on Iran. According to Trump, the decision came after requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations for more time to negotiate a comprehensive agreement.
Proposed Deal: Hormuz and Nuclear Threat
Writing on Truth Social, Trump indicated that the "perimeters of a deal have been agreed to." This potential agreement, he claimed, would encompass the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat." He also noted that "The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment."
Despite the halt, Trump emphasized that the United States remained "locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II." He added that he agreed to cancel the attack "for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL."
Unconfirmed Details and Regional Tensions
Trump did not provide specific details of the proposed agreement, nor did he confirm if Iran had publicly acknowledged the request for a deal. The announcement followed a period of heightened tensions in the region.
Just a day prior, Iran had issued a stern warning against any "adventurous action" by the United States. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi communicated decisively with his counterparts in Pakistan, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, asserting that Iran would respond proportionately to any aggression, including any attacks by the US and Israel or participation by regional countries.
Adding to the regional instability, Kuwait's army reported destroying hostile drones launched by Iran against several vital facilities. Nournews, an outlet affiliated with Iran's top security body, further escalated warnings, stating that any US attack on Iranian energy infrastructure would trigger Iranian strikes on oil fields in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and gas fields in Qatar and Israel.
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman reportedly spoke with Trump, expressing concern and seeking clarity on US plans for Iran. During a Cabinet meeting earlier in the week, Trump had voiced diminishing confidence in Tehran, stating, "They break their word so often," while also mentioning US negotiators like Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio were working towards a deal.