In a dramatic reversal, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had canceled planned military strikes against Iran, marking a significant shift in tone after two nights of escalating hostilities between the two nations. The president's comments came just hours after he had threatened to hit Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT" on social media, raising fears of a broader conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking from the White House, Trump said he decided to call off the strikes after being advised of the potential casualties, estimating that 150 people could have been killed. "I stood up and said, 'That's not proportionate,'" Trump told reporters, explaining his decision to halt the operation.
The president did not provide specific details about the planned targets or the timeline of the canceled strikes.
The announcement follows two nights of attacks between the U.S. and Iran, which began after Iran-backed forces targeted American assets in the region.
The U.S. had responded with airstrikes, but Trump's latest remarks suggest a willingness to pursue a negotiated settlement instead of further military action.
"We are ready to make a deal," Trump said, signaling a potential opening for diplomatic talks. However, he also warned that the U.S.
maintains a strong military posture and would not hesitate to act if necessary. The mixed messaging has left analysts and allies uncertain about the administration's next steps.
International reactions have been cautious, with European leaders urging restraint and calling for de-escalation. Iran's government has not yet officially responded to Trump's comments, but state media reported that Tehran remains open to negotiations under certain conditions.
The sudden shift has sparked debate among U.S. lawmakers, with some praising the president's restraint and others criticizing the apparent lack of a coherent strategy.
The situation remains fluid, and further developments are expected in the coming days.