President Donald Trump backed off a plan to launch powerful new strikes against Iran citing a possible deal. Iranian sources have declined the claim. File Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Pool via CNP | License Photo
Aug. 2 (UPI) -- President Donald Trump backed off a plan to launch powerful new strikes against Iran, saying late Saturday night he was asked by several Middle Eastern countries to hold off as they had reached "the perimeters of a deal."
It had been reported on Friday that the U.S. and Israeli militaries were striking as early as this weekend, likely targeting Iranian energy infrastructure.
But Trump late on Saturday said "we have just been asked by Iran, and other Middle Eastern Countries, to hold off any attack in that the perimeters of a deal has been agreed to."
"This would include the Immediate, Complete, and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran's nuclear threat," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL."
