Donald Trump has cancelled strikes against Iran, but only if a deal is struck "rapidly" with the country. In a post on Truth Social, the US president claimed he was asked by Iran and other countries in the Middle East to "hold off" on any attack as the "perimeters" of a deal had been agreed.
Trump Cites Iran's Request to Hold Off on Attack
Iran had accused the US of escalating tensions, saying any regional state co-operating with Washington would be "engulfed by the flames of war". The US government had urged Americans across the Middle East to be alert and ready to leave "should there be escalation" in the region. The security alert advised Americans to "exercise caution and heightened vigilance and be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions".
Multiple sources had told CBS News that the US and Israel were planning new, intense strikes on Iran over the weekend. The plan was reportedly discussed during Trump's cabinet meeting on Friday. Trump further said in his post that 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".
Trump's Words on Iran: "Locked and Loaded"
Trump's comments came after US media reported that Washington may have been planning new, intense strikes on Iran over the weekend. The US has been engaged in escalating strikes and counter-strikes with Iran since a ceasefire in April aimed at pausing the war fell apart in June. The US has blockaded Iranian ports and bombed Iranian sites, while Iran has fired missiles and drones at US assets in countries across the Middle East and targeted shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
Regional Leaders Weigh In
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke to Trump on Saturday and "expressed concern" about the potential strikes, according to Axios and Reuters. The phone call was reportedly made after Trump's cabinet meeting on Friday. The US and Israel began launching their strikes against Iran on 28 February, with the outbreak of war leading to significant fluctuations in oil prices.
What's Next for US-Iran Relations?
Iran has not yet responded to Trump's announcement. The US and Iran have engaged in a series of escalations and counter-escalations since the ceasefire fell apart in June. The US has completed a "heavy wave" of strikes against Iran in retaliation for an attempted ballistic missile attack on American forces in the region. The future of US-Iran relations remains uncertain, with Trump's comments leaving the door open for a potential deal.
Source: Joy Online
