In a dramatic reversal, President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he had called off planned military strikes against Iran, signaling a potential move toward a negotiated settlement. The president's comments came just hours after he had threatened to hit Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT," marking a significant shift in rhetoric following two nights of escalating attacks between the two nations.
Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he had ordered the strikes to be canceled after being advised that the operation would result in a disproportionate number of casualties. "We were cocked and loaded to strike three different sites," Trump explained, adding that he decided against the action when told that an estimated 150 people would be killed.
"I thought about it and said, 'That's not proportionate.'"
The president's decision came after Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone earlier this week, an act that Washington described as an unprovoked attack.
The United States had responded with a series of retaliatory strikes, but Trump's latest remarks suggest a desire to de-escalate tensions. "I'm in no hurry," he said.
"We have plenty of time."
Trump also indicated that he was open to talks with Iran, stating, "We are ready to make a deal." The comments represent a notable departure from his earlier threats of military action and have been met with cautious optimism by international observers. However, the situation remains fluid, and the possibility of further confrontation has not been ruled out.
The announcement has sparked a flurry of diplomatic activity, with European allies urging restraint on both sides. Iran's leadership has yet to respond formally to Trump's overture, but state media outlets have characterized the U.S.
reversal as a victory for Tehran's defensive capabilities.
As the world watches, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this shift in tone can lead to a lasting diplomatic solution or if the underlying tensions will resurface.