Washington: Amid deepening tensions between the United States and Iran, US President Donald Trump has abruptly shifted his stance and announced that plans for fresh military strikes on Iran are being put on hold for the time being. What makes it striking is that he made this announcement barely a few hours after threatening a major military operation and bombing campaign against Iran. In a post on social media, Trump wrote that he decided to halt the new strikes because talks with Iran have now reached the level of its top leadership and have received approval from there as well.
Claim of Significant Progress Toward a Solution
Trump also said that significant progress had been made among the United States, Israel and the region's allied countries in advancing the ceasefire and finding a resolution to the crisis. However, he did not share any details on the matter. The President claimed that agreement had already been reached, both in principle and in detail, on several important points related to the deal. Notably, over the past few weeks he has repeatedly stated that a deal is very close, yet no concrete outcome has emerged so far.
Iran Targets Several US Sites
Meanwhile, the ceasefire reached between the US and Iran on April 8 has already collapsed, and both countries are continuously striking each other's positions. On Thursday, Iran targeted several US military sites. Iran claims it carried out powerful strikes on 5 US military bases located in Jordan, Kuwait and Bahrain. According to Iranian officials, two US aircraft were destroyed in these attacks, while the hangar of a US airbase in Jordan was also wrecked.
3 US F-16 Fighter Jets Damaged
On the other hand, US media reports claimed that 3 US F-16 fighter jets parked in the hangar were also either damaged or destroyed during the attack. Iran has also claimed to have targeted the headquarters of the US Navy's Fifth Fleet located in Bahrain. In addition, it has been said that 2 US military bases in Kuwait were also damaged. The Iranian military has further claimed to have carried out a drone attack on the US embassy located in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq.
Trump's Tone Changed Completely Within Hours
It is worth noting that just a few hours earlier, Trump had said he would not give Iran any more time and that the US military had been ordered to resume bombing. He had also hinted that the US military could seize Iran's strategically crucial Kharg Island. Trump said that, on Pakistan's mediation and request, he had given Iran a chance for a deal, but because of the 'stubborn' Iranian leadership, the agreement could not move forward.
