'I was shocked': Philly-area lawmakers react to Trump's threat against Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump pulled back on his threats to launch devastating strikes on Iran late Tuesday, swerving to deescalate the war less than two hours before the deadline he set for Tehran to capitulate to a deal.

Trump said he was holding off on his threatened attacks on Iranian bridges and power plants, as the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire that includes the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Supreme National Security Council said it has accepted the ceasefire and that it would negotiate with the United States in Islamabad beginning Friday. Neither Iran nor the United States said when the ceasefire would begin, and attacks took place in Israel, Iran and across the Gulf region early Wednesday.

Israel has also agreed to the ceasefire, according to a White House official who was not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. The ceasefire calls for Israel and Hezbollah to halt fighting in Lebanon, according to the prime minister of Pakistan, which has been mediating talks.

READ MORE | Trump, hours until deadline, threatens Iran's 'whole civilization will die tonight'

Iranian leaders are portraying the agreement as a victory.

"As long as the regime still exists, in their mind, they have won," said Marjam Vafa, a board member of Philly Iranians. "Trump keeps talking about a new regime. There is no new regime. They are the same, and they have no regard for human beings."

Earlier Trump threats raised alarms

Earlier Tuesday, Trump issued a stark warning on social media, writing that "a whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again," if Tehran did not agree with his demands.

He added, "I don't want that to happen, but it probably will."

Lawmakers across the Philadelphia region reacted to the president's rhetoric.

"I was shocked that a president, a sitting president, would express those particular thoughts," said Rep. Dwight Evans, D-Pa.

"I don't know that we can necessarily believe that this president has it in him to pull back, and that's one of the things I find most worrisome," said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.

Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., criticized Republican lawmakers.

"They know what this president has said is wrong. They are privately appalled by his rhetoric, but they do not have the courage to stand up," she said.

Democratic Rep. Brendan Boyle of Pennsylvania said he was relieved by news of the ceasefire.

"The quicker we bring this conflict to a conclusion, the better off we all will be - especially the American people who are paying the price at the pump," Boyle said.

Before the ceasefire was announced, Action News contacted every Republican member of Congress representing the Philadelphia region, including Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Ryan Mackenzie, Dan Meuser and Jeff Van Drew, as well as Sen. Dave McCormick. None agreed to an interview.

In a statement posted on X, Meuser said, "President Trump has given Iranian leadership many opportunities to negotiate and relinquish their terrorist goals. It is up to the leadership to step up and do what's best for the people of Iran."

The Pennsylvania Republican Party released the following statement on the ceasefire:

"We welcome President Trump's announcement of a two-week ceasefire as a strong and strategic step toward de-escalation and long-term peace. At every stage, the President has made it clear that America will act decisively to protect our interests while also pursuing peace through strength.

We remain grateful for the bravery of our troops and confident that under President Trump's leadership, America will continue to stand strong, secure our interests, and pursue stability for the future of the Middle East."

Following Tuesday night's news, crude oil prices fell more than 16%, settling near $94 a barrel. U.S. stock futures also rose sharply.

Iranian officials say two weeks of negotiations are now set to begin later this week. The White House said discussions about in-person talks are ongoing, but no details have been finalized.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.