Trump Calls Off Planned Strike on Iran, Says Deal Nearly Done

US President Donald Trump said on Thursday evening that he has called off previously announced strikes on Iran, as the "final points" of an agreement between the two sides have been approved. In a post on Truth Social, Trump stated: "In view of the fact that negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been elevated to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I, as President of the United States of America, have canceled the strikes and bombings of Iran planned for this evening."

He noted that "the negotiations and final points were approved by all involved parties both in general terms and in the finest detail." Trump listed the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt as the countries that participated in the approval.

"The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect until this agreement is finally concluded," he said. "The time and place of the signing will be announced shortly," he added.

This is not the first time Trump has hinted that a deal with Iran is close, and such statements have not materialized before. Earlier on Thursday, Trump had stated that the US military would deliver a "very strong strike" on Iran that night. On Tuesday, he said a peace deal with Tehran could be reached "in two to three days."