US President Donald Trump on Monday said the United States had paused a planned military strike on Iran that was reportedly scheduled for Tuesday, even as Washington warned it remained ready to launch a “full, large scale assault” if negotiations fail.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said key Gulf leaders had urged him to delay the operation as diplomatic talks with Tehran continue.
Gulf leaders seek delay in attack
Trump said he was approached by the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who requested that the US hold off on military action.
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“I have been asked 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, to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond. This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!” Trump said.
US military kept on standby
Trump added that he had directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Daniel Caine and the US military to suspend the planned strike for now.
“Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Daniel Caine, and The United States Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached,” Trump added.
Tensions remain high
The announcement came amid rising tensions following Trump’s conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
“For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!” Trump wrote.
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According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, Washington wants Tehran to surrender 400 kilograms of enriched uranium, limit operations to one nuclear facility and abandon demands for war compensation. Iran has reportedly insisted on sanctions relief, release of frozen assets and a halt to military operations before talks resume.
