By Karim Were
US President Donald Trump says he has cancelled planned military strikes against Iran after claiming that high-level negotiations have made significant progress toward a broader regional agreement.
In a statement posted on Truth Social on Thursday, Trump announced that attacks scheduled for later in the evening would not proceed, citing what he described as approval of negotiations by Iran’s top leadership. According to Trump, discussions have reached an advanced stage and key issues have been agreed upon “in both concept and great detail.” ([Reuters][1])
Trump also claimed that several regional and international actors, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Jordan, Egypt and Bahrain, support the emerging framework.
The announcement marks a dramatic shift from earlier rhetoric. Just hours before, Trump had warned that the United States was prepared to strike Iran “very hard tonight” amid escalating tensions in the region. ([Reuters][1])
Despite cancelling the planned attacks, Trump said the US naval blockade would remain in place until a final agreement is formally signed. He added that details regarding the location and timing of a signing ceremony would be announced soon.
Iran has not yet publicly responded to Trump’s latest claims. Earlier, however, Iranian officials warned Washington that any new military action could draw the United States into a prolonged regional conflict.
The development comes amid growing international concern over recent military exchanges in the Gulf region, including US strikes on multiple vessels near Oman that reportedly resulted in the deaths of three Indian sailors.
