WASHINGTON — US President Donald Trump said Thursday that he had canceled planned military strikes against Iran, saying discussions with Tehran had reached the highest levels of the Iranian leadership and that a potential agreement was nearing completion.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he had called off strikes and bombings that were scheduled for Thursday evening after what he described as progress in negotiations with Iran. He claimed that key elements of the discussions had been approved by multiple parties, including the United States and several regional countries.
“The Naval Blockade will remain in full force and effect until this transaction is finalized,” Trump said, adding that details regarding the signing of an agreement would be announced shortly.
Deal said to be close
Trump later told the New York Post that an agreement to begin talks with Tehran was “pretty much all wrapped up,” signaling optimism that diplomatic efforts could avert further military escalation.
The announcement marked a sharp shift from Trump’s earlier rhetoric on Thursday, when he warned that the United States would hit Iran “very hard” and threatened action against key Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island.
Iran yet to confirm
While Trump said the discussions had been approved at the highest levels of the Iranian leadership, reports indicated that Tehran had not publicly confirmed a final agreement. Sources familiar with the mediation efforts said progress had been made in narrowing differences during talks involving regional mediators.
According to Axios, discussions have focused on extending the ceasefire, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching a new round of negotiations on Iran’s nuclear program, although final approval from Iran’s leadership was still pending.
Tensions remain high
The announcement came after two days of renewed exchanges between US and Iranian forces, raising concerns that the fragile ceasefire reached earlier this year could collapse. Despite Trump’s decision to cancel the planned strikes, the continued naval blockade and the absence of a finalized agreement underscore the uncertainty surrounding the negotiations.
Source: Saudi Gazette