Trump reveals why he called off ‘massive attack’ on Iran and how move may lead to historic nuclear deal

Donald Trump has said he called off what he described as the "biggest attack since World War Two" on Iran after regional allies persuaded him a nuclear agreement was within reach. Speaking on Air Force One, he said Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran itself had all asked him to hold off, and that he agreed because he believed a deal was close. The decision matters because it marks a significant de-escalation after days of threats, and raises the prospect of a negotiated settlement covering both Iran's nuclear programme and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump said talks with Iranian officials were due to begin the following day, and suggested any agreement could involve "denuclearisation" alongside a resolution over Hormuz. He said he had spoken directly to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who favoured dealmaking over military action, and voiced concern that strikes could trigger refugee flows destabilising neighbouring states. He insisted there was no deadline and that the US remained "locked and loaded" if talks failed. Markets responded to the news, with Brent crude falling more than 4% to $83.33 a barrel and US and European stock futures rising.