Trump says he shelved planned attack on Iran and announces new talks
Trump said the planned strike "would be the largest attack since World War II" and that allies told him a deal with Iran was close.
President Donald Trump said he has called off further strikes on Iran and announced a new round of talks with Iranian representatives, saying the decision followed appeals from regional partners. He told reporters aboard the presidential plane while flying from New Jersey to Washington that the negotiations are scheduled for today but did not specify a location or how long they might last.
Trump said the U.S. military withdrew at the last moment from planned operations after interventions by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Iran. He warned that the intended strike "would be the largest attack since World War II and would be catastrophic for them."
The president framed the pause as linked to diplomatic momentum: he said allies had told him a framework deal with Iran was close, prompting the temporary halt to further military action.
Background and timeline
U.S. and Iranian officials reached a framework agreement in mid‑June intended to bring an end to the war that began in late February. The parties agreed to flesh out remaining details during a 60‑day transition period.
Still, doubts about the durability of the arrangement were present from the start, and both sides have since carried out multiple major attacks, undermining confidence in the process. Trump did not give specifics about the venue or duration of the new talks announced on the plane.
The announcement leaves questions about next steps and the durability of the pause: whether the coming negotiations will produce concrete commitments, and whether military planning will remain on hold while diplomats try to complete the transition period.
Photo: EPA/SHAWN THEW / POOL
