President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell this weekend, revealing that the United States had planned and was prepared to execute what he described as the biggest military attack since World War II against Iran — only to call it off at the last moment after diplomatic intervention from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Tehran itself.
The admission came as Trump confirmed that fresh negotiations between Washington and Iran are now scheduled to begin Monday afternoon, with the goal of securing a deal on both the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s nuclear program. War Secretary Pete Hegseth underscored the administration’s position in a post on X, stating that the Department of War “was ready to go — and remains ready — at levels not seen since World War II,” adding that U.S. forces remain “locked and loaded” should diplomacy fail.
The planned strike, according to Trump’s own remarks, was set to commence around the same time he was speaking to reporters, making the decision to pivot to talks all the more dramatic. Oil markets reacted immediately to the de-escalation, with Brent crude futures tumbling more than $5 per barrel and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude dropping over 6% as traders priced in reduced risk of regional supply disruption.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirmed that discussions between Iran and Oman regarding the Strait of Hormuz are already underway and reportedly in their final stages. The rapid shift from what appeared to be imminent large-scale military action to renewed diplomacy raises serious questions about what exactly convinced Trump to pull back — and whether Tehran is genuinely prepared to make concessions or merely buying time.
For a president who has repeatedly shown willingness to use force when he deems it necessary, the decision to choose negotiation over what would have been a historic military operation suggests either remarkable confidence in the diplomatic track or recognition that the costs of such an attack outweighed the benefits. The coming days will reveal which it is.
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