Trump Cancels Iran Attack, Claims Deal; Tehran Denies

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump announced he called off a planned attack on Iran Thursday night, saying talks with Tehran had reached the highest levels and a deal was approved. Hours earlier, he had warned the U.S. would strike Iran with "great force." "I have canceled the attacks and bombings planned against Iran for tonight, given that the conversations with the Islamic Republic of Iran have reached the highest level of the Iranian leadership and have been approved," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. Tehran immediately denied the claim. "Iran has not approved any draft agreement or initial memorandum with the United States," Iran's official Fars news agency reported, citing an informed source. Trump said the deal would be signed in Europe within days. He listed Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt as parties involved. He stated the naval blockade of Iran would remain until the deal is formalized. The announcement came after a week of escalating hostilities. The U.S. struck Iranian military targets Wednesday in response to the downing of an American Apache helicopter over the Strait of Hormuz. Both crew members survived. Iran said those attacks effectively ended a ceasefire. Iran's military announced it had closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, to all vessels. The Revolutionary Guard said it fired on two ships trying to cross. Diplomatic efforts continue. Qatar, Pakistan, and other nations are trying to salvage negotiations. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokesman said mediators remain committed despite the renewed violence. Iran demands the release of billions of dollars in frozen assets and an end to sanctions as conditions for ending the war. The U.S. has offered to release funds in stages for humanitarian aid. In a separate development, the U.S. military said it disabled a third oil tanker this week for violating the blockade against Iran. The CENTCOM command said it fired Hellfire missiles at the vessel's engine room after the crew ignored orders.