This is not the first time Trump has called off strikes on Iran

US President Donald Trump has made a habit of threatening strikes on Iran, only to call them off at the last minute. This pattern has repeated itself multiple times during the ongoing conflict. On March 21, for instance, Trump threatened to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if Tehran did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. However, he later declared that he would refrain from striking energy sites for five days following "productive conversations" between the US and Iran.

Trump escalated his rhetoric further on April 7, warning of a "whole civilization" dying if Iran refused to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was declared two days later, despite Trump's expectation of "bombing" if negotiators failed to reach an agreement. He extended the ceasefire on April 21, even as he expected to resume attacks if a deal could not be forged.

On May 17, Trump threatened Iran with a ticking clock, urging them to act swiftly or face destruction. The following day, he decided to hold off on attacking Iran, citing a request from regional allies. On June 11, he threatened to attack Iran "VERY HARD TONIGHT," including targeting Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure. Hours later, he canceled the strikes due to an "approved" agreement between the two sides.

On August 1, Trump declared the US "locked and loaded" for a devastating attack on Iran, likening it to "Military Terror, Strength, and Power not seen since World War II." Despite this, he agreed to cancel the attack if a "DEAL" could be rapidly reached. CNN reporters contributed to this reporting.