Trump Iran Peace Deal: Trump Calls Off Strikes, Claims Breakthrough in Negotiations

The potential for a resolution to the ongoing conflict between the United States and Iran appeared to advance on Thursday, as President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of planned military strikes against Iran. This decision was framed as a significant development in negotiations aimed at de-escalating tensions. The announcement followed Trump’s earlier threats to target Iran’s oil industry, underscoring the precarious nature of diplomatic efforts amid ongoing disagreements over Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and its control over the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.

In recent weeks, Trump has repeatedly suggested that a deal was imminent, though no concrete agreements have materialized. An Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson indicated during a live broadcast that while mediation efforts were ongoing, no final agreement had been reached to conclude the conflict that erupted on February 28, following a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation against Iran.

Trump Expresses Optimism

During an event in the Oval Office on Thursday afternoon, Trump stated, “We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran.” He provided limited details but expressed confidence that an agreement to extend the fragile ceasefire established in April would be finalized in the coming days.

The extension of the ceasefire would grant U.S. officials additional time to negotiate the contentious issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program, which has been a primary justification for military actions by Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s office clarified that Israel is not involved in the emerging agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

This announcement followed two days of escalating military exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, which had brought the region closer to the brink of full-scale war.

U.S. Halts Attacks on Iran

Earlier on Thursday, Trump had threatened further military escalation, declaring on social media that the U.S. would strike Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and take “total control” of its oil and gas industries. However, hours later, he indicated that significant points in the negotiations had been escalated to the highest levels of Iranian leadership for approval.

Esmail Baghaei, the spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, reported during the televised call that the text of a potential agreement is “mostly finalized.” He noted that inconsistencies in the U.S. position had complicated the negotiation process.

A primary sticking point remains Iran’s nuclear program, which the U.S. and Israel fear could lead to the development of nuclear weapons, while Tehran maintains that its nuclear activities are intended for peaceful purposes. Additionally, Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for oil and natural gas, continues to be a contentious issue.

Rapid Shift from Threats to Negotiation

Trump’s swift transition from military threats to advocating for peace negotiations highlights his unpredictable approach to the conflict. On Monday, he had suggested that a resolution could be reached within days.

This week saw a series of retaliatory strikes that heightened tensions in the Middle East. The initial exchanges involved confrontations between Iran and Israel, followed by U.S. strikes targeting locations where American troops are stationed. These U.S. military actions were prompted by Iran’s downing of an American attack helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz, with both pilots being safely rescued.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry characterized the U.S. strikes as having “effectively rendered the ceasefire … meaningless,” although it did not formally abandon the ceasefire.

In response to Trump’s threats of further military action, Iranian parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf remarked on social media that “wrong strategies and impulsive decisions” would disrupt energy markets and lead to a prolonged conflict.

This is not the first instance of Trump oscillating between threats and negotiations; in April, he warned Iran that “a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again” if it did not comply with his demands, only to subsequently extend the ceasefire.

Threats to Seize Iran’s Oil Terminal

Iran’s prolonged disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has significantly impacted global energy supplies, contributing to rising fuel prices and increasing costs for essential goods beyond the region.

On Thursday, Trump threatened to seize Kharg Island, a critical hub for Iran’s oil industry, through which approximately 90% of its oil exports are transported. However, he later expressed uncertainty about the feasibility of such an operation, stating in an interview that he doubted “America has the stomach for it.” He added, “I don’t want to have boots on the ground,” but acknowledged that a small military presence could potentially take control of the facility if necessary.

Ongoing Tensions Over Nuclear Program and Strait of Hormuz

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated via social media that the U.S. would seek to utilize funds from frozen Iranian accounts to cover damages incurred by American allies and any tolls imposed by Iran on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz.

Aside from the ongoing deadlock regarding the Strait, the two nations remain at odds over Iran’s nuclear program. Tehran insists that its nuclear initiatives are for peaceful purposes, while the U.S. and Israel express concerns that Iran’s stockpile of enriched uranium could be repurposed for weaponization.

Iran has also stipulated that any agreement to end hostilities must address the ongoing conflict in Lebanon involving its ally, Hezbollah, and Israel. However, Netanyahu appears determined to pursue his objective of neutralizing the militant group.

Source: timesofdubai.ae

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Published on 2026-06-12 13:56:00 • By the Editorial Desk