President Donald Trump declared on Thursday the cancellation of planned airstrikes on Iran scheduled for that evening, stating that negotiations had reached the highest echelons of Iranian leadership and had been sanctioned by all involved parties.
In a message on Truth Social, Trump stated, "Given that talks with the Islamic Republic of Iran have ascended to the highest levels of Iranian leadership and received approval, I have, as President of the United States of America, canceled the airstrikes planned against Iran for tonight."
The president emphasized that the final terms of the agreement had been approved "in concept and in great detail" by all parties, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt, among others.
However, Trump clarified that the naval blockade on Iran would remain "fully in effect" until the agreement is signed, and he announced that the location and date for the signing would be disclosed soon.
Shift in Diplomatic Strategy
This diplomatic shift occurred just hours after Trump himself threatened to hit Iran "very hard tonight" and confirmed in an interview with Fox News that the strikes would be "bigger, more powerful."
During the same interview, Trump mentioned that "Iran is desperate to make a deal" and warned that if no agreement was reached, the United States would take control of Kharg Island, which handles about 90% of Iran's crude exports.
Iran, on the other hand, did not publicly confirm the agreement Trump announced. According to Euronews, Tehran denied the existence of a peace pre-agreement, stating that the document was still under review.
Escalating Tensions
The Iranian foreign ministry stated on the same Thursday that the ceasefire in effect since April 8 was "practically irrelevant" following recent attacks, labeling them as "illegal and criminal."
The announcement follows two consecutive days of military escalation: on Wednesday, the U.S. Central Command launched a second wave of airstrikes on Iranian targets, to which Iran responded by attacking 18 targets at U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait, launching drones against the Fifth Fleet, and announcing the complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz.
Majid Mousavi, commander of the Aerospace Force of the Revolutionary Guard, warned, "Do you think you can make the sacred Strait of Hormuz unsafe? We will turn the entire region into a hell for you."
Origins of the Conflict
The conflict stems from "Operation Midnight Hammer" on February 28, 2026, a surprise joint U.S.-Israel attack on Iran's nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan.
Since then, the negotiation process has gone through multiple phases, including a fragile ceasefire since April 8, extended on April 21 at Pakistan's request as a mediator, and the de facto breaking of the truce on June 1, when Iran suspended negotiations, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon as violations of agreed terms.
Wood Mackenzie analysts project that Brent prices could soar to between $150 and $200 per barrel if the closure of the Strait of Hormuz—through which over 20% of the world's oil flows—continues for an extended period.
Frequently Asked Questions on the U.S.-Iran Agreement
Why did Trump cancel the planned attacks on Iran?
Trump called off the planned airstrikes because negotiations had reached the highest levels of Iranian leadership and had been approved by all involved parties.
What remains in effect despite the cancellation of the strikes?
The naval blockade on Iran remains fully in effect until the agreement is officially signed.
Has Iran confirmed the agreement?
As of now, Iran has not publicly confirmed the agreement announced by Trump, and reports indicate that Tehran is still reviewing the document.