President Donald Trump has announced a temporary halt to a planned military strike on Iran, originally set for Tuesday, following appeals from key Middle Eastern leaders. Trump stated that he would delay the offensive at the request of leaders from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who assured him that significant negotiations were underway, offering optimism that a diplomatic resolution could be achieved.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump detailed that the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, had asked him to postpone the military action. They predicted that a deal, satisfactory to the United States and beneficial to the broader Middle East, was within reach. A crucial element of this prospective agreement is that Iran would not pursue nuclear weapons.
With respect for these leaders, Trump instructed US defense secretary Pete Hegseth and army chief General Daniel Caine to stand down on the immediate action against Iran. However, he emphasized that the US military should remain fully prepared to initiate a comprehensive offensive on short notice if the negotiations fail to produce a satisfactory deal.
The decision to delay the strike comes after reports that Iran had submitted a revised proposal via Pakistani mediators, which the United States deemed inadequate. A senior US official indicated that the proposal, though altered, did not sufficiently address US concerns about Iran’s nuclear program. The official warned that if Iran remains inflexible, the US may resort to military action.
Earlier, Iran had reportedly delivered a 14-point proposal to the US, seeking to end the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. While the submission suggested some willingness to negotiate, it also highlighted Tehran’s apprehension over potential US military actions. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent escalation.