Trump threatens to seize Iran's oil infrastructure and launches strikes, then cancels further attacks claiming deal progress

President Trump threatened 'major strikes' on Iran and vowed the U.S. would 'assume total control' of Iran's oil and gas industries, including Kharg Island, Iran's main oil export hub. U.S. Central Command confirmed strikes against multiple Iranian military and infrastructure targets for the second consecutive night as part of what officials called 'self-defense strikes.' Hours later, Trump reversed course and canceled planned additional strikes, claiming discussions had reached 'the highest level of Iranian leadership' and a 'great settlement' was imminent. Iran's foreign ministry disputed this, stating no final decision had been reached. The whiplash pattern of threats, strikes, and cancellations exemplified Trump's brinkmanship approach to the escalating conflict, with the threat to seize Iranian territory representing an extraordinary escalation in rhetoric that drew concern from congressional leaders and international allies about potential violations of international law.

"The U.S. would 'assume total control' of Iran's oil and gas industries, including Kharg Island" — Statement made via Truth Social post threatening Iranian oil infrastructure seizure