President Donald Trump announced Thursday that he has canceled scheduled airstrikes against Iran, claiming a peace deal is imminent. In a series of posts on Truth Social, Trump stated that discussions with Iranian leadership had reached the highest level and been approved, leading to the cancellation of strikes planned for that evening.
He emphasized that the naval blockade would remain in full effect until the transaction is finalized, with the time and place of the signing to be announced shortly.
Speaking later in the Oval Office, Trump said, "We should get done over the next few days. We're going to have a signing, maybe in Europe, and it's a great thing." When asked if the agreement covered nuclear issues, he replied, "Yes, conceptually."
This announcement marks a sharp reversal from earlier Thursday morning, when Trump had threatened to attack Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT" and stated the U.S. would seize vital Iranian oil infrastructure, including Kharg Island.
The conflicting statements highlight the administration's struggle to balance military pressure with diplomatic efforts as the conflict enters its fourth month.
The war has effectively shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for about 20% of the world's energy supply. A volatile ceasefire has been in place since April, but both sides have continued to strike each other's targets as Trump grows frustrated with the lack of a final deal.
Jennifer Stromer-Galley, a professor of information studies at Syracuse University, noted that Trump's rhetoric appears aimed at manufacturing a reality he wants to be true, but it clashes with the actual state of affairs. "He doesn't have much control over the end of the day," she said, adding that the administration is trying to assure Americans that the war will end as promised, even as gas prices and electricity costs continue to rise.
Polls indicate that Americans are losing confidence in the administration's message after weeks of similar promises. The situation remains fluid, with the naval blockade continuing and the possibility of renewed hostilities if the deal falls through.