TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he would put a stop to new planned attacks on Iran in order to facilitate renewed discussions aimed at winding down the conflict and restoring stalled cargo movements through the Strait of Hormuz. This announcement fits a pattern where the U.S. president initially threatens large-scale strikes but later retracts them. These abrupt changes have become a hallmark of the five-month conflict, significantly impacting oil and goods prices, with renewed attacks often following shortly after.
A Review of Trump’s Previous Announcements on Pausing Strikes Against Iran
April 7: The United States and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire to conclude the intense hostilities that began on February 28 following Israeli and U.S attacks. Trump’s announcement came less than two hours before a self-imposed deadline for Tehran to capitulate or endure attacks on infrastructure such as bridges and power plants. He warned such strikes could eliminate “a whole civilization.”
April 21: Trump announced the indefinite extension of the ceasefire with Iran, a day before its expiration. He stated that mediators requested a delay on offensive actions to allow Iranian leaders enough time to present additional proposals. This tenuous ceasefire persisted until May 8 when the U.S. struck Iranian tankers.
May 18: After a weekend of harsh threats against Iran, Trump decided to delay a planned major military strike. He cited “serious negotiations” as the reason, stating there was a good chance of resolving issues without military action. U.S. strikes resumed by May 27 after negotiations broke down.
June 11: Following two days of escalating back-and-forth attacks, Trump threatened to further escalate, stating the U.S. planned to strike Iran “VERY HARD TONIGHT” and take control of its oil and gas sectors. Hours later, he reversed this stance citing breakthrough negotiations.
June 17: Trump signed an initial agreement with Iran proposing an end to hostilities and reopening the strait. The agreement initiated a 60-day window to establish a final deal regarding Iran’s nuclear program, though Trump expressed openness to resuming strikes if dissatisfied. “It’s a memorandum of understanding, and if I don’t like it, we’ll go back to shooting at them, dropping bombs,” he said.
July 7: While attending a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkey, Trump launched strikes against Iran after Iranian attacks on commercial ships in the strait. Subsequently, he vowed to “just finish the job,” suggesting the ceasefire was over.
July 27: Trump stated he paused two weeks of intense U.S. attacks to allow further negotiations. During this period, U.S. forces targeted significant military and commercial sites amid escalating clashes over shipping routes. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, targeting nations hosting U.S. troops.
August 1: After informing reporters of plans for a strong strike on Iran, Trump announced via social media the cancellation of planned attacks, citing Mideast allies’ deal parameters as the reason. “For the future benefit of the WORLD and the success of a prosperous Iran, I have agreed to cancel the attack,” he stated. The Iranian defense minister responded that the country would remain vigilant against threats while remaining unperturbed by Trump’s statement.
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