Trump cancels Iran strikes as Pakistan and Gulf states edge toward a historic deal
US President Donald Trump announced late Thursday that he had called off planned military strikes against Iran. The announcement came after diplomatic talks reportedly reached the highest levels of Iranian leadership.
Trump made the declaration on Truth Social. He stated that all parties had approved discussions “in both concept and great detail.” Furthermore, he confirmed that a naval blockade would stay in effect until both sides formally conclude an agreement.
The decision marked a major reversal from Trump’s earlier vow to pummel Iran. Just hours before, he had warned that Iran would face severe consequences. However, a flurry of last-minute diplomacy pulled the situation back from the edge.
Trump also cited conversations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Field Marshal Asim Munir as part of his reasoning. Pakistan had additionally submitted Iranian proposals to US mediators throughout these negotiations, playing a quiet but consequential role.
The list of countries involved in the proposed understanding is sweeping. It includes the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt, and others. Notably absent from that list is India — a detail that has not gone unnoticed.
Iran reportedly submitted a revised 14-point proposal to Pakistani mediators. Key differences between the two sides still remain, including disagreements around Iran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz. Still, both parties appear closer than they have been in months.
Trump also stated that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen as soon as both sides sign a deal. The strait serves as a critical global oil shipping route. Its disruption during the conflict had already shaken international energy markets significantly.
Meanwhile, no government mentioned in Trump’s post has publicly confirmed the details. The situation therefore remains developing and fluid.
However, markets responded immediately. Stock indexes soared and oil prices dropped sharply right after Trump posted his announcement. Investors clearly read the move as a meaningful step toward de-escalation.
Trump additionally claimed he expects a formal signing within the next few days. Whether that timeline holds remains to be seen. For now, the world watches closely — and Pakistan finds itself firmly at the center of one of the most consequential diplomatic moments of the year.
