US and Iran trade strikes as ceasefire collapses; Trump threatens escalation – Scripps News
President Donald Trump announced that he is canceling Thursday’s planned strikes on Iran, saying discussions on a potential peace deal have been “brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.”
“Discussions and final points have been, in both concept and great detail, approved by all parties involved, including the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
Trump added that the naval blockade “will remain in full force and effect until this Transaction is finalized.” He said the time and place of a signing ceremony would be announced later.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump says Iran was responsible for downing Army helicopter and that US ‘must respond’
The announcement follows several days of exchanges between U.S. and Iranian forces.
U.S. forces struck multiple sites in Iran on Wednesday, including a drinking water facility in the country’s south. The attack left thousands without access to drinking water for about 12 hours.
Iran responded by targeting Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan. No serious injuries or significant damage were reported, with drones and missiles apparently intercepted by air defense systems.
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT | Trump says the 100-day-old Iran war doesn’t betray his ‘no new wars’ campaign promise
Trump has pushed for a deal for weeks, repeatedly saying Iran cannot be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
The U.S. and Israel launched the military operation against Iran on Feb. 28. Several of Iran’s top leaders were killed in the initial strikes. Iran responded by targeting Israel and nearby Gulf nations, as well as shutting down the Strait of Hormuz.
Before the conflict, about 20% of the world’s oil and fuel shipments passed through the strait. Its closure has had ripple effects on economies and energy markets worldwide.
About Scripps News
