President Donald Trump announced Saturday night that he has canceled a planned U.S. attack against Iran after Tehran and several Middle Eastern countries asked Washington to hold off, saying the broad framework of a potential agreement had been reached.

“The U.S.A. is locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran, at levels of Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II,” Trump wrote. He said the proposed deal would require the “immediate, complete, and total” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat.

“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,” Trump said, adding that Israel had joined him in the commitment. “Get to work, everybody, and get it done.”

The dramatic announcement came hours after Axios reported that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Trump and urged him to de-escalate and refrain from launching new strikes against Iran. Saudi officials reportedly expressed concern and sought clarity regarding Washington’s plans, as Trump weighed attacks against Iranian energy targets.

Qatari mediators also held separate talks Saturday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Omani officials in an effort to secure an agreement reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Axios reported that the discussions had made progress, although it was unclear at the time whether they would prevent a new U.S. attack.

Iran had warned earlier Saturday that any renewed U.S. or Israeli attack would trigger strikes against energy and infrastructure facilities in Israel and Gulf countries. Trump’s announcement now places the planned military operation on hold while Washington seeks to quickly turn the emerging framework into a final agreement.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)