Diplomatic Confusion Mounts as Trump Claims Iran Deal Near Despite Continued Strikes

President Donald Trump stated on Wednesday and Thursday that he has "cancelled the scheduled strikes and bombings" against Iran, asserting that a diplomatic deal is close to being signed. According to the President, the "discussions and final points" have been approved, with a potential signing ceremony as early as this weekend. However, the Iranian Foreign Ministry has cooled expectations, issuing a statement that "nothing has been finalised," creating a stark contradiction between the two administrations' narratives. While the diplomatic rhetoric fluctuates, the military situation remains volatile. Reports indicate the U.S. launched 49 Tomahawk missiles on Wednesday, followed by additional "self-defense" strikes on Thursday. These latest actions are reportedly linked to an incident involving a U.S. Army Apache helicopter near the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has also expanded into the economic sphere, with President Trump threatening to target Kharg Island, a critical Iranian oil-export hub, which would represent a significant escalation against energy infrastructure. The maritime dimension of the crisis has deepened following reports that Iran has moved to close the Strait of Hormuz. As a vital artery for global oil shipments, the closure of the Strait has raised immediate concerns regarding global energy security and shipping stability. While no new proxy attacks were specifically named in the last 24 hours, the focus of the conflict has shifted toward high-stakes air-defense and maritime dynamics in the Persian Gulf region.