Trump Halts Planned Iran Attack After Gulf Leaders Request Delay
The BBC reported Monday that President Donald Trump halted a planned military strike on Iran after the leaders of Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar personally asked Washington to stand down.
Trump made the announcement via his Truth Social platform. He said the three Gulf nations had requested a suspension of “two or three days” while serious negotiations advanced. He added that he had been assured a deal “very acceptable” to the United States was within reach.
Gulf Allies Fear Iranian Retaliation
A central concern driving the Gulf states’ intervention is Iran’s retained strike capacity. Iran is known to hold substantial drone and missile stockpiles. Those weapons could threaten airports, petrochemical facilities and desalination plants across the region. Summer heat makes the last category especially critical for civilian populations.
Trump acknowledged the request but kept his warning on the table. He said the US remains prepared to launch a “full, large scale assault” at short notice if talks collapse. Speaking to reporters, he described the diplomatic moment as “a little bit different” from previous near-agreements that ultimately fell through.
Background: War Began in February
Israeli and US forces launched coordinated air strikes against Iran on 28 February. Tehran responded with drone and missile salvos targeting Israel and US positions across the Gulf region. A ceasefire agreed in April has largely held, though sporadic exchanges of fire have continued.
Iran has also shut the Strait of Hormuz to foreign shipping, a move affecting roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas flows. The closure has pushed energy prices sharply higher worldwide. The US has countered by imposing a naval blockade on Iranian ports.
Talks Continue Through Pakistani Mediators
Iran said Monday it had submitted a response to the latest US proposal. Exchanges are continuing through Pakistani intermediaries, according to Iranian state media. Tehran’s reported demands include a full ceasefire, an end to the US blockade, guarantees against future attacks and compensation for war damage.
Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei described his country’s position as “responsible” and “generous.” A senior Iranian military commander separately warned Washington against making “strategic mistakes and miscalculations.”
Trump’s move comes as domestic support for the conflict erodes. A New York Times/Siena poll published Monday found 64% of US voters believe going to war with Iran was the wrong decision. Trump’s overall approval rating in the same survey stood at just 37%.
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