From "Attack Tonight" to "Airstrike Canceled"... Trump's Sudden Reversal

[Financial News, New York = Reporter Lee Byung-chul] President Donald Trump abruptly canceled plans for additional airstrikes on Iran. Just hours earlier, he had warned that the United States would "attack very strongly tonight," but he later announced a halt to military action, saying talks had advanced after approval at the level of the Iranian Supreme Leadership and with the consent of key Middle Eastern countries. Iran, however, denied that any agreement had been approved.
On the 11th local time, President Trump wrote on his social media platform Truth Social that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran had reached the level of the Iranian Supreme Leadership and received approval. He added that he had decided to cancel the airstrikes and bombing of Iran scheduled for that evening.
He also claimed that "the discussions and final issues were approved by all relevant parties, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Türkiye, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt."
He added that "the naval blockade will remain in place until this agreement is finalized" and that "the time and place of signing will be announced soon."
The decision came just hours before the airstrikes were expected to take place. However, no detailed explanation was given for what diplomatic breakthrough had been reached after more than three months of war. It was also not confirmed how the Iranian Supreme Leadership conveyed its willingness to reach an agreement.
Earlier in the day, President Trump had warned that the U.S. would attack Iran "very strongly tonight." He also hinted that he wanted to seize Kharg Island, a key Iranian crude oil export hub, further raising pressure on Tehran.
The United States and Iran had exchanged attacks for two consecutive days, fueling fears of a renewed full-scale war. Both sides had maintained an uneasy ceasefire since early April, but recent military clashes have raised concerns that momentum for negotiations could be weakening.
However, multiple Iranian sources and Western officials said indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran have become more active recently. The assessment is that both sides are moving faster in negotiations as they weigh the costs of prolonged military confrontation.
Still, while President Trump suggested that a ceasefire agreement had effectively been reached, Iran denied approving any such document. Fars News Agency reported this, citing a source familiar with Iran's negotiating team. The source said that "no text has ever been approved regarding the initial memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the United States."




pride@fnnews.com Reporter Lee Byung-chul Reporter