Summary: President Donald Trump said he cancelled a third night of planned strikes on Iran, claiming negotiators reached a "breakthrough" and that final points were approved by senior leadership. Earlier the same day he had warned Iran it would be hit "very hard" and threatened oil facilities including Kharg Island. Iranian officials are framing a potential memorandum of understanding as a victory, while experts warn significant uncertainty remains about the deal's details and implementation.
Day 105: Trump Calls Off Strikes After Threat To Kharg Island As Talks Claim 'Breakthrough'
US President Donald Trump reacts as he boards Air Force One [File: Nathan Howard/Reuters]
United States President Donald Trump announced he had cancelled a third consecutive night of planned strikes on Iran, saying negotiations with Tehran were close to producing a deal. The reversal came only hours after Trump warned Iran it would be hit "very hard" and threatened attacks on Kharg Island and other oil facilities.
What Happened
Trump Calls Off Planned Attacks
Hours after signalling possible military action, Mr. Trump posted on Truth Social that the planned strikes were called off because diplomacy had advanced. He said discussions had been elevated to Iran’s top leadership and that the "final points" of an agreement had been approved by the United States and several regional partners.
Tehran Frames Potential Deal As A Victory
Reporting from Tehran, Al Jazeera correspondent Mohamed Vall said senior Iranian officials confirmed a proposed memorandum of understanding with the US was being reviewed by the country's top leadership. Iranian authorities are presenting the possible agreement as a hard-won success, telling citizens the sacrifices of recent months could yield sanctions relief and the unfreezing of assets.
Experts Warn Of Uncertainty
Richard Weitz, an international security expert at the NATO Defense College, told Al Jazeera that the president's threats may have been intended to force a diplomatic breakthrough — an "escalate to de-escalate" tactic. He cautioned, however, that "we still have a bit of uncertainty over what precisely was agreed and how it will be implemented."
US-Israel Dynamics
In Washington, DC, Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett reported growing White House concern that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could complicate diplomatic efforts. According to the reporting, Mr. Trump has sought to restrain Mr. Netanyahu in recent weeks to "allow time for diplomacy."
Hezbollah Reports Multiple Attacks
The Lebanese group Hezbollah said it launched a series of drone, missile and rocket strikes against Israeli forces across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley between Wednesday and Thursday, claiming 24 separate attacks on soldiers, armoured vehicles and positions near Tayr Harfa, Naqoura, al-Qaouzah, Rashaf, Qantara, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Yohmor al-Shaqif.
Note: While both sides report progress and tactical moves, independent verification of any agreement’s final terms and implementation timeline remains limited.
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