Trump says he is cancelling strikes on Iran subject to deal being made 'rapidly'
President Trump stated he is cancelling planned strikes on Iran, contingent on a rapid diplomatic agreement. The announcement follows reports of intense military planning and warnings for U.S. citizens in the region to remain vigilant.
Why it matters
The situation remains volatile as the U.S. balances military posturing with the potential for a negotiated settlement in the Middle East.
Donald Trump says he has cancelled strikes against Iran provided a deal was 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, which he said would include reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear threat.
His comments came after US media reported that Washington may have been planning new, intense strikes on Iran over the weekend.
Earlier on Saturday, Tehran had accused the US of escalating tensions, saying any regional state co-operating with Washington would be "engulfed by the flames of war".
Meanwhile the US government urged Americans across the Middle East to be alert and ready to leave "should there be escalation" in the region.
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