Trump cancels Iran strikes, reports progress on potential deal

WASHINGTON —

President Donald Trump says he will cancel attacks against Iran, at least for now, marking the latest pivot in the five-month-long war.

In a social media post on Saturday night, Trump said Iran and other Middle Eastern countries asked him to hold off on further strikes because “the perimeters of a deal” have been agreed to.

“This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat,” Trump added. “Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL.”

Iran didn’t immediately comment on the details of a potential deal, but the country’s defense minister said they would not be “surprised nor passive” in the face of threats.

On Friday, the president threatened to hit Iran “very hard” and expressed growing doubts about diplomacy as previous agreements have come up short.

Before the president’s Saturday night post, the State Department told Americans in several Middle Eastern countries to consider departing, or be prepared to depart in case fighting escalates.

“Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions,” the advisory added.

Earlier Saturday, Kuwait said it responded to a new round of Iranian drone attacks while a tanker was reportedly struck in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial oil shipping route.

Attacks like this have caused gas prices to rise again in recent weeks above $4 per gallon on average, as the cost of living remains top of mind for many Americans ahead of this fall’s midterm elections.

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