Trump says Iran backed off massive strike after urgent diplomatic outreach

Speaking to supporters in Las Vegas, Donald Trump asserted that the United States was on the brink of launching the “biggest attack since World War II” against Iran, but Iranian officials contacted him moments before the planned strike, requesting talks. He presented the outreach as a direct result of sustained U.S. military pressure and said he prefers a deal to avoid loss of life, while maintaining that Iran must not acquire a nuclear weapon.

The Trump administration has signaled that negotiations to reopen the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz are close to a breakthrough, with Iran and Oman finalising a draft arrangement that awaits Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei’s approval. The proposed pact would be temporary and could set the stage for renewed U.S.-Iran nuclear discussions, but key disputes remain over Iranian control of the strait and any transit fees.

Meanwhile, the region remains volatile, as Houthi rebels have launched fresh missile attacks on Saudi-linked vessels in the Red Sea and fighting could flare again along the Israel-Lebanon border. Oil markets have felt pressure from disruptions, given that about a fifth of global oil and gas trade passes through the waterway.