Trump Insists Iran Deal Is Close After Scrapping Strikes

President Donald Trump announced the cancellation of planned military strikes against Iran on June 24, 2019, reversing an earlier threat to retaliate for the downing of a U.S. drone. Trump had stated that the strikes would be "very hard" and had also threatened to seize Iranian oil infrastructure. The decision to halt the strikes was made just hours before they were set to commence, with Trump citing concerns about a disproportionate response and potential civilian casualties. He indicated that the U.S. was "cocked and loaded" to strike but that he decided against it, suggesting that "150 Iranians" would have died. Trump also stated that "the question is not if we are going to meet some leaders, it's when." He further suggested that a "deal" with Iran was close, despite the heightened tensions. The U.S. had previously imposed sanctions on Iran following its withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which Trump characterized as "terrible." The situation remained tense, with both sides issuing strong statements.