WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he has canceled a planned massive military strike against Iran, but made clear the decision is conditional on reaching a deal “rapidly” with Tehran.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump declared the United States was “locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II”. Despite the aggressive posture, he said Iran and other Middle Eastern countries had requested a pause.
“This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat,” Trump wrote, outlining the proposed agreement’s key terms. “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”.
Trump added that Israel has joined the United States in this commitment.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions following months of conflict. Iran had effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz—a critical global shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas—and carried out attacks on US military assets. According to reports, the planned military operation was substantial: US Central Command had been preparing options for a 10-to-14-day intensive air campaign targeting Iran’s missile capabilities.
The cancellation followed a personal call on Saturday from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who urged de-escalation and expressed concern that large-scale strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure could trigger retaliation against oil facilities across the region.
Trump’s framing of the decision as a response to Iran’s request, rather than a unilateral American withdrawal, preserves Washington’s position of strength while opening a diplomatic window. However, the condition that a deal must be made “rapidly” signals that the military option remains active.
Iranian officials have not confirmed that a deal framework has been finalized, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warning that Tehran would deliver a “decisive” response to any further US “aggression”.
