Trump cancels Iran strikes hours after threatening 'very hard' attack, vows to take control of Kharg Island

Just hours after threatening fresh military action against Iran and warning that the United States would "hit Iran very hard tonight", US President Donald Trump announced that the planned strikes had been cancelled, citing progress in high-level negotiations with Tehran.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran had reached the highest levels of the Iranian leadership and that key points of a proposed agreement had been approved by all parties involved. He claimed the understanding had the backing of the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Egypt and others.

While calling off the military operation, Trump said the US naval blockade against Iran would remain in force until the agreement is formally finalised and signed.

The announcement marked a sharp shift from Trump's earlier rhetoric. Hours before cancelling the strikes, he had warned that the US would launch major attacks against Iran and suggested Washington could eventually take control of Iran's critical oil and gas infrastructure, including Kharg Island.

The developments come amid escalating tensions in the Gulf, where US forces have intensified enforcement of the blockade against Iran. On Thursday, US Central Command said American forces disabled a third commercial tanker accused of transporting Iranian oil in violation of the blockade.

Meanwhile, the European Union urged restraint. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the renewed attacks on Gulf states and critical infrastructure as "unacceptable" during a call with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. She warned that a return to full-scale war would carry enormous costs for the region and stressed that diplomacy remained the best path forward.

Araghchi, however, condemned recent US military actions, describing them as a violation of international law and arguing that they had undermined efforts to maintain a ceasefire.

Trump's latest comments indicate a dramatic escalation in rhetoric and military intent toward Iran, even as indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue. Analysts have warned that any attempt to seize Kharg Island would require a major military operation and could significantly increase regional tensions.

Kharg Island is widely regarded as one of Iran's most strategically important oil export terminals, handling the majority of the country's crude shipments. Any military action targeting the facility could have far-reaching implications for global energy markets, maritime trade routes and regional stability.