ByMIRIAM SELA-EITAM

JUNE 12, 2026 05:19

The US armed forces stood roughly three hours from launching attacks on Iran when President Donald Trump declared that an accord with Tehran had been reached and halted the operation, according to NBC citing two US officials with direct knowledge.

The officials explained that Trump had directed the military to proceed against Iran on Thursday evening, prompting Navy vessels to shift positions and prepare ordnance before the order was reversed.

They added that the intended strikes closely resembled those executed the previous day.

Kharg Island did not appear on the target roster despite the president's earlier warnings of possible action there.

The officials further stated that the military had maintained contingency plans for striking and even seizing Kharg Island for several months, although Trump had never authorized those measures.

The United States had conducted its most recent strike on the island in April, focusing on military facilities and air defense systems.

One official observed that Trump's Thursday morning warning regarding Kharg Island did not correspond to existing operational plans.

Nevertheless, the officials told NBC they found the abrupt cancellation announcement more unexpected than the prior statements about major strikes and the island.

Two additional officials reported that the decision to stand down followed a meeting between Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to review Iran options.

Trump Announces Accord with Iran Backed by All Parties

Trump stated on Thursday evening that planned strikes and bombings against Iran had been canceled following agreement on a deal with Tehran.

The arrangement received approval in both principle and specifics from the United States, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and several other regional nations, according to Trump.

The existing blockade will stay in effect until the pact is completed, he noted, while indicating that any military move against Kharg Island is currently suspended.

No signing date was specified, though Trump suggested it might occur this weekend in Europe with Vice President JD Vance in attendance.

Israeli sources informed Channel 12 that Israel does not acknowledge any such agreement.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a call with Trump on Thursday night, a fact confirmed by the president, though the announcement reportedly caught Netanyahu off guard, per CNN.

The Prime Minister's office indicated that Netanyahu welcomed Trump's dedication to the Iran ceasefire, which would encompass removal of enriched nuclear material, dismantling of enrichment facilities, curbs on missile output, and cessation of Iranian backing for regional terrorist groups.

Israel is not included in the US memorandum of understanding with Iran.

Danya Saperstein, Amichai Stein, Yonah Jeremy Bob, Ariella Roitman, and Reuters contributed to this report.