Middle East crisis live: Trump says strait of Hormuz to open ‘as soon as’ US and Iran sign deal as Iran says no final decision made

What Happened

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he had cancelled 'scheduled strikes and bombings against Iran this evening,' citing that discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran were 'brought to the highest level of Iranian leadership and approved.' Trump claimed that final points had been approved by multiple parties including the U.S., Israel, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, and others, and that a naval blockade would remain in force until a 'Transaction is finalized.' However, Iran's Fars news agency, citing an informed source close to Iran's negotiating team, denied that any document or memorandum of understanding had been agreed, directly contradicting Trump's statement. Simultaneously, the U.S. Central Command confirmed that its aircraft fired two Hellfire missiles at the engine room of the oil tanker MT Settebello in the Gulf of Oman on Wednesday, killing three Indian seafarers; the U.S. justified the strike as enforcing its military blockade of Iranian ports, alleging the crew failed to comply with instructions. The Indian government lodged a 'strong protest' over the deaths. Oil prices fell sharply after Trump's announcement, with Brent crude dropping 3.6%.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Trump's abrupt cancellation of strikes and claims of an imminent deal introduce significant uncertainty into the Iran crisis. The contradictory Iranian denial underscores a deep trust deficit and the risk of miscalculation, while the ongoing U.S. naval blockade and lethal enforcement actions—such as the Settebello strike—maintain military pressure and could provoke further casualties or escalation. Oil markets reacted sharply, highlighting global economic sensitivity. The involvement of multiple regional actors (Israel, Gulf states, Turkey, Egypt) signals a broad diplomatic front, but the gap between public statements and private realities remains wide.

Watch For

Monitor for any official Iranian confirmation of a signed agreement or a continued denial; watch for U.S. Congressional review as Senator Lindsey Graham stated the deal would be submitted; track naval blockade operations and potential for further tanker confrontations; observe oil price volatility; and note any scheduled announcements of a signing ceremony or its cancellation.