US President Donald Trump has called off planned military strikes on Iran, citing what he described as major progress in talks to end the ongoing conflict. The move marks a sharp reversal from his earlier threat to hit Iran “very hard” and target its oil and gas infrastructure. However, Tehran has not confirmed any final agreement, keeping uncertainty high across the Middle East and global energy markets.
Trump Calls Off Planned Strikes on Iran
Trump cited a breakthrough in peace talks and the likely confirming a deal to wind down hostilities. The announcement came via social media and marked a major reversal from his earlier vow to pummel Iran and take its oil.
A Qatari delegation had been in Tehran this week for discussions. US officials believe the Qatari mediators helped resolve key sticking points, with sources confirming they had achieved real breakthroughs in negotiations.
Iran Has Not Confirmed Any Deal
However, a senior Iranian official linked with the talks stated that Iran has not yet agreed to any memorandum of understanding or framework of a deal with the United States.
Iran's Foreign Ministry said the US attacks had effectively rendered the ceasefire meaningless, without formally abandoning it. Iran's parliamentary speaker warned that wrong strategies and impulsive decisions would wreak havoc on energy markets and create an endless quagmire.
Trump Had Earlier Threatened Iran's Oil SectorEarlier on Thursday, Trump vowed the US would hit Iran "very hard tonight" and take total control of its oil and gas industries, the latest threat after two days of intensified strikes between the US and Iran pushed the Middle East closer to full-scale war resuming.
What Triggered the Latest Escalation?
Tensions in the Middle East have hit a dangerous new high. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched coordinated missile and drone strikes on American military bases across the Gulf. The attacks hit key US installations in Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan. It is one of the biggest escalations seen in the ongoing conflict.
The Attacks - What Happened
The IRGC launched drone strikes on the US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain. It also targeted the Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait. Long-range missiles were fired at the Azraq airbase in Jordan.
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The strikes followed fresh US military action. America's Central Command (CENTCOM) hit Iranian surveillance systems, communication networks, and air defense sites. US Marine Corps, Air Force, and Navy units were all involved.
The IRGC claimed it attacked 21 US-linked targets in total. It says four were destroyed. One of them was an F-35 fighter jet hangar at the Azraq base in Jordan.
IRGC's Chilling Warning to the US
A top Iranian commander issued a stark warning to Washington.
IRGC Aerospace Force Commander Brigadier General Sayed Majid Mousavi posted on social media. He wrote: "Are you trying to make the holy Strait of Hormuz insecure? We will turn the region into hell for you from across all of Iran."
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The warning came hours after US strikes hit southern Iran. It sharply raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
Sirens in Bahrain, Air Defenses in Kuwait
Sirens blared across Bahrain in the early hours of Thursday. They sounded just minutes after the IRGC announced its fresh attacks. Bahrain's Interior Ministry told citizens to stay calm. It asked them to move to the nearest safe place immediately.
Kuwait also activated its air defense systems. The IRGC said it struck 18 US-linked targets across two waves. Targets included Kuwait's Ali Al Salem and Ahmed Al Jaber air bases. Bahrain's Sheikh Isa Air Base was also hit.
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Kuwait's defense ministry confirmed its forces intercepted incoming missiles. Kuwait hosts several large US military facilities. These include Camp Arifjan, the US Army's forward headquarters in the region. The Ali Al Salem base serves as the main airlift hub for US and coalition forces in the Middle East.
Jordan Attack - No Casualties
At Jordan's Azraq air base, American personnel were ordered to take cover. The IRGC claimed it destroyed facilities and several fighter aircraft at the site.
Jordan's Public Security Directorate later issued a statement. It confirmed there were no casualties. Only material damage was reported.
Strait of Hormuz Remains a Global Flashpoint
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the biggest concerns in the conflict. Iran claimed it had closed the strategic waterway to vessel traffic, but CENTCOM disputed the claim and said commercial ships were still moving through the strait.
The waterway is one of the world’s most important oil and gas routes. Any prolonged disruption could affect global supply chains, push up crude prices and increase inflationary pressure across major economies.
US Response
President Donald Trump responded sharply. He warned Iran would "pay the price" for taking too long to reach a deal. His comments came after Tehran claimed responsibility for all three attacks.
CENTCOM said its forces remain "vigilant, lethal, and ready." It warned further US strikes are possible if needed.
News4Bharat POV
While Trump’s decision to pause fresh strikes has raised hopes of de-escalation, the situation remains fragile. Iran has not formally accepted any deal, Gulf states remain on alert, and conflicting claims over attacks, damage and the Strait of Hormuz continue to fuel uncertainty. Any lasting breakthrough will depend on whether both sides can move from public claims to a verifiable agreement.
Sources: Reuters, AP, Al Jazeera, Truth Social, White House