Trump Signals Imminent Deal with Iran to End Blockade; Cancels Scheduled Strikes

President Donald Trump has announced that a deal to de-escalate tensions with Iran is nearing completion, with a potential signing scheduled for as early as this weekend. According to the President, the agreement is framed as a "very strong memorandum of understanding" that would officially reopen the Strait of Hormuz and lift the current U.S. naval blockade. Trump linked the success of the negotiations to future economic benefits, suggesting that global oil prices could fall significantly once the critical waterway is reopened. The diplomatic push, facilitated by Qatari mediators, led to a last-minute pause in direct military action. President Trump confirmed that he canceled a series of kinetic strikes that had been authorized for Thursday evening to allow the negotiations to proceed. Qatari officials have indicated that the understandings currently have the approval of the concerned parties, though final documents are still being prepared, likely for a signing ceremony in Europe. Despite the diplomatic progress, the situation remains a fragile pause in hostilities. Reporting indicates that U.S. leverage continues to involve significant military and economic pressure, including previous threats to seize Iranian energy infrastructure such as Kharg Island. President Trump emphasized that a core component of the proposed agreement is a guarantee that Iran will never obtain a nuclear weapon. As of June 12, 2026, the blockade remains in place pending the finalization of the deal.