The United States has delayed its planned military strike on Iran, originally set for Tuesday, following a request from leaders of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, according to President Donald Trump. The decision to hold off came after assurances from these Gulf leaders that meaningful negotiations with Iran were underway and a satisfactory deal was likely to be reached. President Trump emphasized that the potential agreement would prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, which remains a key point for the United States.
In a statement shared on Truth Social, Trump explained that he had been approached by 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. They requested the pause in military action to allow for discussions that could lead to a peaceful resolution. Trump expressed his respect for these leaders and their optimism about reaching a deal beneficial to the United States and the broader Middle East.
Despite the decision to pause the attack, Trump instructed the US defense team to remain on alert for a potential full-scale offensive against Iran if the negotiations do not yield an acceptable outcome. He tasked Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and General Daniel Caine with ensuring military readiness should the need for action arise. Trump reiterated that the United States is prepared to act swiftly if diplomatic efforts fail to secure a satisfactory agreement regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced of Iran’s submission of a revised proposal to the United States through Pakistani mediators. However, according to a senior US official, this latest overture was deemed insufficient and did not present any significant progress toward a deal. The official remarked that if Iran remains inflexible about its nuclear program, the situation might escalate to military engagement, which they described as regrettable. Despite minor adjustments in Tehran’s proposal, concerns persist about Iran’s apprehensions over potential US military actions.
Earlier, Iran reportedly sent a 14-point proposal to the United States, aiming to facilitate discussions to resolve the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, the US response suggests that the proposal has not yet met the necessary criteria to avert military intervention. The unfolding situation continues to be closely monitored as diplomatic efforts proceed.