Trump Cancels Planned Massive Strike on Iran Citing Emerging Deal

Trump Announces Cancellation of Planned Iran Strike

US President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has cancelled a planned massive military attack on Iran after the country and other Middle Eastern nations requested a hold in light of an emerging deal that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and eliminate Iran's nuclear threat. [3] Trump stated 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. [1] Despite this, Trump claimed the US had just been asked by Iran and other Middle Eastern countries to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal had been agreed to. [1] Trump called for an immediate deal with Iran and said he had agreed for the future benefit of the world and likewise the survival of a prosperous Iran to cancel the attack subject to being able to rapidly make a deal. [3] The country of Israel joins Trump in this commitment according to the post. [3]

Iranian Denial of Trump's Claims

Iranian officials denied Trump's claim that Iran asked the US to halt strikes calling it a desperate attempt to blackmail Gulf leaders and stating their forces remain at highest readiness. [1] Iranian military officials denied US President Donald Trump's claims that Iran asked the US to stop the attacks the IRGC-affiliated Mehr News Agency reported. [1] The officials called Trump's statements a desperate attempt to blackmail Gulf state rulers and pressure them with threats. [1] Iranian forces are at the highest level of readiness and are prepared for any eventuality Mehr cited the officials as saying. [1]

Background on Five-Month Conflict

The decision follows five months of war that began February 28 with US and Israeli strikes on Iran including 13 days of consecutive strikes and counter-strikes a US naval blockade expanded sanctions Iranian closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on shipping and US assets. [3] The war which began on 28 February when the US and Israel launched surprise attacks while Iran was in the middle of negotiations with the US has now lasted five months with a new front in the Red Sea between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. [3] There were 13 consecutive days of strikes and retaliatory strikes between the countries leading to a spike in global oil prices. [3] The struggle for control of the Strait of Hormuz has put Iran and the US at loggerheads throughout July after attempts to reach an agreement fell through. [3] Last month Iran closed the crucial maritime route while Trump reimposed a naval blockade on the country and expanded sanctions. [3] US media reported that Washington may have been planning new intense strikes on Iran over the weekend. [4] The US government urged Americans across the Middle East to be alert and ready to leave should there be escalation in the region. [4]

Rubio Comments on Need for Iranian Regime Change

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the Iranian regime must change its behavior of exporting revolution praised Trump's approach of strength that has made Tehran willing to negotiate on denuclearization and the straits and noted Iran no longer has a conventional missile shield. [5] Rubio said the Iranian regime has to change claiming that Tehran must abandon its efforts to dominate the Middle East. [5] You might not have a regime change but the regime has to change Rubio said. [5] They want to export the revolution that does have to change and the only way you are going to change that is if you make the price of it too high for them to be able to pay. [5] Rubio hailed the Trump administration as a power unlike anything Iran has seen in recent decades. [5] I do not think the Iranian regime has ever faced a president like President Trump which is someone that actually takes action the secretary of state said. [5] Because of Trump’s military campaigns in the Middle East Rubio added Iran no longer has a conventional missile shield to hide behind. [5] It is the only reason why they are now willing and in some cases seem eager to do a deal on denuclearization to do a deal on the straits because we are now approaching them from a position of strength not from a position of weakness he said. [5]

Trump Reaffirms Support for Morocco on Western Sahara

Separately Trump reaffirmed US recognition of Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara endorsed Morocco's autonomy plan as the only basis for resolution and pledged expanded cooperation in energy AI critical minerals defense and development including in Western Sahara. [2] The reaffirmation was contained in a message to King Mohammed VI to mark the 27th anniversary of Morocco’s Throne Day. [2] The United States is unequivocal we recognise Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and support Morocco’s serious credible and realistic autonomy proposal as the only basis for a just and lasting solution President Trump said. [2] This dispute must end now and the United States will continue to push toward that goal. [2] President Trump also congratulated King Mohammed VI and the people of Morocco on Throne Day highlighting the long-standing relationship between the two countries. [2] This year we celebrate 250 years of American history and enduring friendship with Morocco a bond forged in trust and mutual respect. [2] President Trump praised King Mohammed VI’s leadership describing it as an anchor of stability. [2] He also commended Morocco’s role in promoting peace combating extremism strengthening regional security and supporting the Abraham Accords. [2] President Trump said Morocco’s economic vision was creating new opportunities for shared prosperity and announced that he had directed his administration to promote economic and social development in partnership with Morocco including in Western Sahara. [2] He identified energy artificial intelligence critical minerals and defence as priority areas for future cooperation. [2]

Prospects for Rapid Deal Finalization

Trump called for immediate deal finalization with Israel's support in light of the emerging agreement on the Strait of Hormuz and nuclear issues. [1] Get to work everybody and get it DONE he declared. [3] The announcement came after US media reported planning for intense strikes and amid ongoing tensions following a failed ceasefire. [4] Washington and Tehran have engaged in escalating strikes and counter-strikes since a ceasefire in April aimed at pausing the war fell apart in June. [4] Rubio assessed that the changed dynamics from Trump's approach have made Iran willing to negotiate from a position of strength. [5] Iran has not yet responded to Trump's announcement. [4]

What to watch next is whether the deal on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear threat can be rapidly finalized as called for in Trump's Truth Social post with Israel's commitment.