President Trump on Thursday abruptly canceled planned strikes against Iran, citing a breakthrough in peace talks and the likely signing of a deal to wind down hostilities.
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The decision, outlined on social media, was a major reversal from Mr. Trump’s morning vow to pummel Iran and take its oil.
“Based on the fact that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran have been brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved, I have, as President of the United States of America, cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,” Mr. Trump wrote.
He said multiple countries reviewed points in the emerging deal, including the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan and Egypt.
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The president said he would maintain a blockade of Iran’s ports until a deal is signed.
“Time and place of the signing to be announced shortly,” Mr. Trump said.
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The signing of a pact to lift the American blockade and reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be a major breakthrough in the months-old conflict and set the table for thorny talks over stopping Iran’s nuclear program.
The U.S. and Iran have been close to a deal before, only for it to fall apart.
Mr. Trump’s post suggested a higher level of confidence than in previous rounds and followed his threat to ramp up the war if Tehran did not get serious about talks.
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