U.S. President Donald Trump said he called off a third consecutive night of airstrikes on Iran, insisting talks with Tehran are close to a deal. The announcement marked a major shift, just hours after Trump warned Iran would face a "very strong attack" and threatened to target Kharg Island and other oil facilities.
Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tehran reported that a senior Iranian official confirmed a draft memorandum with the U.S. is being reviewed by Iran's top leadership.
In Iran
Trump cancels attack plans on Iran: In a Truth Social post, Trump said discussions have been elevated to Iran's highest leadership and "the final points" of the deal have been agreed by all parties involved, including the U.S. and several regional allies.
Tehran argues war sacrifices were worthwhile: According to Al Jazeera's Mohamed Vall in Tehran, many Iranians will feel relief if the conflict ends after months of hardship and loss. The government is trying to sell the potential deal as a victory, insisting "the suffering was worth it" because Iran could emerge from the war "in a much stronger position," with possible sanctions relief and unfrozen assets.
In the U.S.
Analysts say Trump uses 'escalate to de-escalate' tactic: Richard Weitz, an international security expert at NATO Defense College in Rome, told Al Jazeera that Trump's threats to escalate the conflict may aim to force a diplomatic breakthrough in Tehran. The tactic is to "threaten to escalate" the conflict "to force an end to it." However, Weitz warned "there is still some uncertainty about what has been agreed and how it will be implemented."
Trump has tried to restrain Netanyahu in recent weeks: Al Jazeera's Kimberly Halkett in Washington D.C. said Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu share a desire to limit Iran's nuclear program. However, there is "growing concern" in the White House that Netanyahu could "undermine diplomatic efforts," prompting Trump to increasingly try to restrain the Israeli leader to "buy time for diplomacy."
In Lebanon
Hezbollah claims 24 attacks on Israeli forces: The Lebanese armed group said it launched waves of drones, missiles and rockets targeting Israeli soldiers, armored vehicles and military positions across southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley from Wednesday to Thursday. Hezbollah said it repeatedly hit troop concentrations near Tayr Harfa and attacked Israeli forces at Naqoura, al-Qaouzah, Rashaf, Qantara, Zawtar al-Sharqiyah and Yohmor al-Shaqif.
