Washington/Tehran: US President Donald Trump has ruled out an American strike on Iran for October 25, saying the United States would not launch an attack that day. However, he has left open the possibility of military action later as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue.
Asked by a reporter whether the United States would attack Iran, Trump initially responded, “Would I tell you that?” He then clarified, “The answer is no. There will not be a strike today.”
His remarks came after he had indicated that a US attack could take place as early as Sunday, adding to uncertainty over Washington’s next move.
Trump Weighs Iran Deal Against Further Military Action
Although Trump ruled out an immediate strike, he did not indicate that the military option had been taken off the table.
Earlier on Sunday, the US president said he was considering whether to reach an agreement with Iran or continue military operations. He framed the decision as whether to “finish the job” or pursue a deal.
Iran, meanwhile, has maintained that diplomatic messages are still being exchanged with the United States through intermediaries, despite limited progress in formal negotiations.
Tehran has rejected Washington’s demands, describing them as tantamount to “complete surrender”. At the same time, Iranian officials have indicated that diplomatic channels remain open.
Qatari mediators were also in Tehran on Sunday as part of efforts coordinated with Washington to reduce tensions, according to a source familiar with the discussions.
The latest developments suggest that diplomatic efforts are continuing even as the possibility of further military action remains unresolved.
Strait of Hormuz Emerges as Key Point of Dispute
The Strait of Hormuz remains a major point of contention between the two countries because of its importance to global energy shipments.
Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan said Tehran had conveyed through Pakistani mediators that it was willing to reopen the strategic waterway if Washington lifted its naval blockade.
However, an Iranian media outlet affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) disputed that account, reporting that no new proposal had been made.
The conflicting statements have added to uncertainty over the negotiations and whether Washington and Tehran can reach an understanding on the issues driving the standoff.
No Immediate Strike, but Tensions Remain
Trump’s announcement rules out a US strike on Iran for October 25, but it does not guarantee a broader de-escalation.
With diplomatic messages still being exchanged and disagreements over key demands unresolved, the possibility of a deal remains alongside the threat of further military action.
The Strait of Hormuz and the dispute over Washington’s naval blockade are likely to remain central to the developing situation as both sides consider their next steps.