President Donald Trump announced he called off planned strikes on Iran after requests from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, saying intensive talks with Tehran are underway that could produce an acceptable agreement. He made the announcement on Truth Social and told reporters at the White House that the operation, slated for Tuesday, was postponed at the request of the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Trump said the Gulf leaders asked for a short delay—“two or three days”—because they believed a deal might be near. He emphasized the key condition: any agreement must prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. While describing the pause as a “very positive development,” he warned that military action would remain an option if negotiations fail.
He said he had instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Caine, and the U.S. military to stand down from the planned attack but to remain ready to launch a full-scale assault on short notice if an acceptable deal is not reached.
Two U.S. officials told Axios that Trump planned to convene his top national security team in the Situation Room to review military options. Axios also reported that Trump spoke by phone earlier with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE.
The announcement did not mention Pakistan, which has been described elsewhere as a mediator in U.S.-Iran talks. Trump has repeatedly pressed for a deal in recent weeks and has warned that the ceasefire reached in mid-April could collapse if Iran does not agree to terms. Over the weekend he warned that “the clock is ticking” for Iran.
The U.S. and Israel launched military operations against Iran on February 28, with Trump initially predicting the conflict would last only weeks. A ceasefire was agreed on April 8, and both sides have been negotiating since. Trump said the current pause gives negotiators a chance to reach a settlement that the United States and regional partners find acceptable; if no agreement is secured, the option of force remains on standby.
