Washington: US President Donald Trump has announced that planned American military strikes against Iran were cancelled after negotiations reached the highest levels of the Iranian leadership, raising hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough in the long-running standoff.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump said discussions with Iran had progressed significantly and key aspects of a proposed agreement had received approval from the parties involved. He said the scheduled strikes were called off to allow diplomacy to move forward.
Trump claimed the proposed agreement would ensure that Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon. He said final documents were being prepared and a formal signing could take place within days.
According to Trump, several regional countries, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey, have been involved in consultations surrounding the negotiations.
Despite the diplomatic progress, Trump said the US naval blockade and maritime pressure measures would remain in place until the agreement is formally signed. He added that restrictions affecting shipping routes, including the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, could be lifted once the deal is finalised.
The development comes amid heightened tensions in the region. The US military recently reported action against several vessels allegedly involved in transporting Iranian oil in violation of American restrictions.
Trump said the proposed framework is aimed at reducing regional tensions while ensuring that Iran permanently abandons any pursuit of nuclear weapons.
If concluded, the agreement could mark a significant shift in Middle East diplomacy and have major implications for global energy markets, particularly through the reopening of key oil shipping routes and easing concerns over supply disruptions.
