**Trump Cancels Planned Attack on Iran Amid Negotiation Developments**
US President Donald Trump has announced the cancellation of a planned military strike against Iran, citing the emergence of a potential agreement that could facilitate the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and address concerns regarding Iran's nuclear activities. This decision comes amidst heightened tensions and military preparations involving the United States and Israel.
According to CBS News, the US and Israel were reportedly on the verge of launching a significant bombing campaign targeting Iran’s energy infrastructure, which could have commenced as early as the weekend. The proposed operation was characterized as one of the most severe military actions against Iran to date, with plans to strike power plants and oil refineries. Discussions among military officials also included the possibility of disrupting electricity supplies in Tehran.
In a post on his social media platform, Truth Social, Trump stated that while the US was prepared for a military response described as “levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II,” he had opted to defer the attack following requests from Tehran and other Middle Eastern nations. He emphasized that the parameters of a deal had been agreed upon, which he believes would lead to the “Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.”
Trump’s announcement indicated a willingness to prioritize diplomatic solutions over military action, stating, “Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL.” He also mentioned that Israel was aligned with the US in this commitment.
However, Iranian officials have challenged Trump’s narrative. A source close to Iran’s negotiating team, as reported by Fars News Agency, denied any plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, asserting that it would remain closed as long as the US continues its “hostile actions.” The source indicated that commercial shipping would only be allowed through routes designated by Iran and with the approval of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy.
The situation has drawn the attention of regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who reportedly communicated with Trump on Saturday to express concerns about potential escalations. A source familiar with their conversation indicated that Riyadh feared US military strikes on Iran could provoke retaliatory attacks against energy facilities in Gulf nations. The crown prince sought clarity on the military actions being considered by the US.
A White House official confirmed to the Associated Press that the conversation between Trump and the crown prince had occurred, although specific details were not disclosed. Despite having participated in previous strikes against sites associated with Iran-aligned militias in Iraq, Saudi Arabia has been advocating for renewed negotiations between Washington and Tehran to resolve the ongoing conflict.
The escalation of tensions follows a brief lull in hostilities. Earlier in the week, the US military reported that it had successfully thwarted an Iranian missile attack targeting an American base in Jordan, marking Tehran's first regional aggression since the recent hostilities subsided. On Friday, Trump reaffirmed his administration's resolve, stating that the US aims to "win" in Iran and would exert pressure until the country could no longer withstand it.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community remains watchful of developments in US-Iran relations, particularly regarding the implications for regional stability and security in the Gulf.