United States President Donald Trump has declared a pause on a planned military strike against Iran, which was previously set for Tuesday. This decision came after requests from key Gulf leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the UAE’s President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Trump stated that these leaders assured him that significant negotiations were underway, potentially leading to a deal that would satisfy all parties involved, including the U.S. and other Middle Eastern nations.
In his communication on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the proposed agreement would ensure Iran does not develop nuclear weapons. Highlighting his respect for the Gulf leaders, he directed U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and General Daniel Caine, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to halt the planned military action. However, he also instructed them to stay ready for a comprehensive military response should the negotiations not yield an acceptable agreement.
Trump’s decision to delay military action comes amidst reports of a revised proposal from Iran, which was relayed to the United States through Pakistani intermediaries. Despite these diplomatic efforts, a senior U.S. official indicated that the proposal lacked substantial improvements and was deemed inadequate for reaching a deal. The official warned that without a change in Iran’s nuclear stance, military dialogue might become inevitable, expressing regret over such an outcome.
Earlier, Iran had reportedly presented a 14-point proposal to the U.S., aiming to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. However, despite some minor adjustments in Tehran’s latest offer, it continues to reflect Iran’s apprehension about potential U.S. military actions. The situation remains tense as the U.S. maintains its readiness for military engagement if diplomatic resolutions do not materialize.