President Donald Trump announced Saturday that he had canceled military strikes against Iran, stating the decision was dependent on the possibility of quickly reaching a deal with the nation. Trump made the announcement via a post on the social media platform Truth Social.
"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," Trump wrote.
According to Trump, the decision was made in coordination with Israel. The announcement came as U.S. media outlets reported that the United States might have been preparing for new, intensified strikes on Iran over the weekend.
Earlier, Iran had accused the U.S. of escalating tensions. Tehran stated that any regional state cooperating with Washington would be "engulfed by the flames of war."
Trump indicated that he made the decision after being "asked" by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to "hold off" on any attack to allow for negotiations. He specified that any potential agreement would need to include the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat."
Earlier on Saturday, the U.S. government had advised Americans in the Middle East to remain alert and prepared to evacuate in the event of regional escalation. A security alert stated, "Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions."