Updated

US President Donald Trump said he had cancelled planned strikes on Iran on the condition that a deal be reached "rapidly," claiming Iran and other Middle Eastern states had asked Washington to hold off because the "perimeters" of an agreement had been agreed. Iranian officials denied that direct talks with the United States were taking place, insisting any contacts were indirect and mediated. The exchange underscored the gap between Washington's portrayal of an imminent agreement and Tehran's public position. US officials have since indicated that a deal between the United States and Iran could be signed within 48 hours, suggesting negotiations have advanced significantly. The reported terms are understood to touch on the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to US strikes, though no text has been published and Iran has not confirmed the timeline. The talks run in parallel with Iran-Oman discussions on restoring shipping traffic through the strait.