President Donald Trump confirmed Saturday that he called off a planned military strike against Iran, which he described as potentially the largest U.S. attack since World War II. Trump stated on Truth Social that the decision to halt the operation came after allies in the region, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar, urged him to pause in anticipation of a nuclear deal.
"When the allies asked to call it off, you gotta say, 'Well, let's see.' Allies think there is a deal," Trump said Sunday aboard Air Force One, referencing conversations with Middle Eastern leaders. Talks with Iranian representatives are reportedly scheduled to begin soon.
Trump characterized the suspended attack as a "massive attack" that would have been "disastrous" for Tehran. "They didn’t want us to do it. And frankly, Saudi Arabia didn’t want it either. I thought a deal was imminent," he added.
The president indicated that the potential deal could address Iran's nuclear program, suggesting it might be referred to as "the denuclearization of Iran," and could also lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump emphasized that he is "not looking to kill people" and expressed concern about the potential for a conflict to create a refugee crisis for allied nations. He also noted that while he remains prepared to launch an attack if necessary, there is no strict deadline for the deal.
Earlier reports suggested that Trump had authorized strikes, with some media outlets citing White House officials and sources indicating that the U.S. and Israel were preparing significant military action against Iran's energy infrastructure. However, other reports indicated that final orders had not yet been given, leaving the situation uncertain.
According to Axios, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged Trump to de-escalate the situation. Trump's Truth Social post on Saturday night mentioned that Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested a hold on any attack, stating that "the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to." He added that this would include the "Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat." Trump declared he had agreed to cancel the attack "subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL." Israel, he stated, joins in this commitment.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt had previously expressed frustration with negotiations, stating that Iran had broken a memorandum of understanding signed the previous month, engaged in attacks on commercial ships, and caused the deaths of American soldiers. Leavitt asserted that President Trump would not tolerate such behavior and that Iran would continue to face consequences until meaningful negotiations occurred.
In response to the escalating tensions and threats, Iranian state-affiliated news agencies reported that Iran had identified potential targets related to U.S. and Israeli militaries, with a senior security official indicating that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) had prepared extensive response plans.
Trump has consistently maintained that his administration has control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway through which a significant portion of global crude oil passes. U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has implemented a naval blockade in the area, intercepting commercial vessels in recent weeks.
Amid discussions of potential military action, Trump also addressed other matters, including a controversial weaponization fund he threatened to reinstate if Todd Blanche is not confirmed as attorney general. He also commented on the FBI's involvement in the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie and accusations of spousal abuse against Congressman Max Miller, stating he would investigate the latter. Additionally, Trump confirmed the U.S. would intervene with the Japanese yen and alluded to a $75 billion deal with Intel.
