Trump cancels planned strikes on Iran, says deal is imminent

U.S. President Donald Trump announced Thursday evening that he had called off previously promised military strikes against Iran. In a statement on Truth Social, he said the decision was made because negotiations with the Islamic Republic had reached the highest level and both sides had approved the final points of the agreement.

Trump stressed that "the negotiations and final points have been approved by all involved parties — both in general terms and in the smallest details." He listed the countries that participated in the approval: the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt.

The president also noted that the naval blockade against Iran will remain fully in effect until the agreement is formally signed. "The time and place of signing will be announced shortly," Trump added.

This is not the first time Trump has hinted at a deal being close, and previous such statements have not materialized. Earlier on the same day, he threatened that U.S. forces would deliver a "very strong strike" against Iran overnight. On Tuesday, Trump claimed a peace deal with Tehran could be reached "within two or three days."