US President Donald Trump has cancelled a planned large-scale military attack on Iran, citing agreement with Tehran and other Middle East countries. The decision comes after US media reported that Washington and Israel were preparing to strike Iran’s energy infrastructure.
According to sources close to the negotiations, Trump had been pushing for a deal in response to requests from Iran and other countries to “hold off any attack”. He agreed on condition that the agreement be concluded quickly, with both sides committing to work towards a mutually beneficial outcome.
The proposed military action was seen as a significant escalation of tensions between Washington and Tehran. US news site Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had urged Trump to cancel the strikes, citing concerns about potential consequences for regional stability.
In response to the cancellation, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told his Saudi counterpart that any US or Israeli attack would meet a “proportionate response”. The Iranian government has long been concerned about its nuclear program and the impact of Western sanctions on its economy.
The decision marks a significant shift in Trump’s approach towards Iran. In recent weeks, he had expressed skepticism about the possibility of a deal with Tehran, citing concerns over the potential consequences for US interests and regional stability.
US news site Al Jazeera reported that the cancellation was likely to be seen as a positive development by Iranian officials, who have been seeking to improve relations with Washington in an effort to reduce tensions. The move also comes at a time when Iran is facing significant economic challenges, including high inflation rates and a decline in oil prices.
The US Department of State has issued security alerts for Americans in 10 countries in the region, urging them to exercise increased caution and consider leaving due to the escalating tensions. However, officials have downplayed the significance of these warnings, citing the need to balance concerns about national security with the need to avoid exacerbating the crisis.
The cancellation of the planned military attack is likely to be seen as a significant development in US-Iran relations, with implications for regional stability and the broader global landscape. As tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how this decision will play out in practice.
Source: Al Jazeera
Based on reporting from Al Jazeera.
