Trump Signals Pause on Iran Strike After Gulf Diplomatic Push
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said he halted a planned military strike on Iran following urgent appeals from Gulf Arab allies, amid ongoing efforts to revive stalled negotiations and prevent a wider regional escalation.
Trump claimed the planned operation was called off after leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged him to allow space for diplomacy, warning that fresh military action could destabilise fragile talks already underway.
In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had been prepared to authorise a “full, large-scale assault” on Iran after Tehran allegedly rejected elements of a proposed deal, but paused the plan at the request of regional partners.
According to him, the Gulf leaders said “serious negotiations are now taking place,” and appealed for restraint as discussions continue.
However, Trump also warned that the United States military remained on standby.
“I have instructed the U.S. military to be prepared to go forward with a full, large-scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, if an acceptable deal is not reached,” he wrote.
Speaking later at a White House event, he suggested there had been progress in talks, describing a “very positive development” and indicating that a potential agreement could prevent further military confrontation.
“If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I’d be very happy,” he said.
Iran, meanwhile, has maintained a hard stance, insisting it will not accept terms it considers a surrender of its sovereignty. Officials in Tehran have reportedly been engaging through mediators while demanding sanctions relief and access to frozen assets as part of any agreement.
Iranian officials also reiterated their position that they are not pursuing nuclear weapons, despite continued accusations from Washington and its allies.
Reports in Iranian media suggest competing accounts of recent negotiations, including proposals involving limits on uranium enrichment and temporary easing of oil sanctions while talks continue.
Tensions remain high across the Gulf region, with concerns over key shipping routes such as the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy corridor that Iran has increasingly referenced in its strategic messaging.
Despite diplomatic signals, both sides continue to project military readiness, leaving the situation uncertain as negotiations attempt to prevent further escalation.
