Trump says he is cancelling strikes on Iran subject to 'rapidly' making deal

The announcement by US President Trump that he is cancelling strikes on Iran, pending a rapid deal, brings a significant de-escalation in tensions between the two nations. This development comes after reports emerged that the US was planning new and intense strikes on Iran over the weekend, which would have marked a considerable escalation of the ongoing conflict. The decision to cancel these strikes suggests that the US is seeking to avoid further military confrontation, at least for the time being.

The context of this story is the heightened tensions between the US and Iran, which have been escalating since the US withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal in 2018 and reimposed economic sanctions on the country. The situation took a turn for the worse in June when Iran shot down a US drone, prompting threats of military action from the US. The cancellation of the strikes indicates that diplomatic efforts may still be underway to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

What's next to watch is how Iran responds to the US offer of a deal and whether the two nations can make progress on negotiations. Additionally, the international community will be monitoring the situation closely, as a further escalation of the conflict could have significant implications for global security and the economy. The US's decision to cancel the strikes may also be seen as a test of Iran's willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue, and whether the two nations can find common ground to address their differences.

Originally reported by bbc.co.uk. NewsDepot adds analysis for general news readers.