President Donald Trump has again pulled back from a military confrontation with Iran, announcing on his Truth Social platform late Friday that he had cancelled a planned attack, citing the possibility of a rapid diplomatic agreement. The decision comes just hours after he had threatened to hit Iran 'very hard' and amid reports of a massive bombing campaign being prepared by the US and Israel.
U-turn amid escalating tensions
In a post on Truth Social, Trump claimed the US 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.' However, he said Iran and 'other Middle Eastern Countries' had requested a pause, stating that 'the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to.'
The proposed deal would include the 'Immediate, Complete and Total' reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, which has been blocked, causing significant disruptions to the global economy, as well as Iran's abandonment of any nuclear ambitions.
Trump's post continued: '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. The Country of Israel joins me in this commitment. Get to work, everybody, and get it DONE.'
Background of the conflict
The war in Iran has been ongoing for over five months, with the first attacks launched by the US and Israel on March 1. Despite Trump's repeated promises of a speedy resolution, the conflict has persisted, and the US military carried out a 'heavy wave' of strikes on Thursday in retaliation for attempted Iranian strikes on Tuesday.
In a cabinet meeting on Friday, Trump had stated: 'We will be hitting them very hard. At some point they're going to say, "We just can't take it anymore."' That night, Iran's Revolutionary Guard claimed to have struck two tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, but there was no immediate response from the US.
International pressure and reports of planned strikes
According to CBS News, multiple sources indicated that the US and Israel were planning a massive bombing campaign against Iranian energy infrastructure. US outlet Axios reported that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman had called Trump and 'expressed concern' about the possible strikes.
Trump's approval ratings have fallen to near-historic lows, surpassed only by Richard Nixon shortly before his resignation over Watergate. He faces immense pressure from world leaders to end the war, as the impact on oil prices continues to affect economies globally.
As of now, there appears to be little concrete progress on securing a lasting end to the conflict, though Trump's latest move suggests a willingness to explore diplomatic avenues.
