Trump cancels planned Iran attacks after Kharg Island threat; deal close

US President Donald Trump announced he had cancelled a third consecutive night of planned attacks on Iran, claiming negotiations were nearing a deal. The declaration marked a dramatic reversal, coming just hours after Trump warned Iran would be hit "very hard" and threatened to target Kharg Island and other oil facilities.

Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tehran reported that a senior Iranian official confirmed the country's top leadership is considering a proposed memorandum of understanding with the US. In a Truth Social post, Trump said discussions had been elevated to Iran's highest level and that the "final points" of an agreement had been approved by all parties, including the US and several regional allies.

Tehran is trying to sell the potential deal as a victory, telling people that the sacrifices of war were worth it because Iran could emerge from the conflict "in much stronger shape", with the possibility of sanctions relief and asset unfreezing. Many Iranians are relieved at the prospect of an end to the hostilities.

Richard Weitz, an international security expert at the NATO Defense College, told Al Jazeera that Trump may have used an "escalate to de-escalate" strategy, threatening to intensify the conflict to force a diplomatic breakthrough. However, he cautioned that there is still uncertainty over what was agreed and how it will be implemented.

Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett from Washington noted that Trump has recently tried to restrain Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid derailing diplomatic efforts. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Hezbollah said it carried out 24 attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley using drones, missiles, and rockets.