Washington: US President Donald Trump has postponed a planned military strike on Iran following urgent appeals from Gulf leaders, citing ongoing “serious negotiations” with Tehran. The decision, announced on Truth Social late Monday, momentarily eases fears of escalation but leaves open the prospect of swift military action if talks falter.
Trump revealed that leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged him to hold off, convinced that a deal could be struck to ensure “NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN.” He stressed that while the strike was cancelled, he had instructed the US military to remain on high alert, prepared to launch a “full, large‑scale assault” at a moment’s notice if talks collapse.
The president’s warnings have grown increasingly ominous in recent days, including a chilling statement that “there won’t be anything left” of Iran without a peace deal. The United States and Israel have been locked in conflict with Tehran since joint strikes in late February, a war that has rattled the Middle East and driven energy prices higher.
Negotiations remain fraught. Washington’s five‑point proposal reportedly demands Iran limit nuclear activity and transfer its enriched uranium stockpile to the US, while Tehran insists on retaining control of the strategic Strait of Hormuz. On Monday, Iran’s newly formed Persian Gulf Strait Authority announced it would provide “real‑time updates” on operations in the waterway, underscoring its determination to keep control of the vital energy corridor.
Trump insists Iran must open the Strait as part of any deal, leaving the region braced between the hope of diplomacy and the threat of sudden war.
