WASHINGTON, May 19 — President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to planned military strikes on Iran after requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, saying the pause would allow ongoing negotiations with Tehran to continue as Gulf partners believe a deal may be near. The operation had been scheduled for Tuesday, Trump said, but was delayed at the urging of Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Posting on Truth Social, Trump said the Gulf leaders asked him to delay the attack. Speaking later at the White House, he said the U.S. had been preparing a “very major attack” but had agreed to postpone it for “two or three days.” He emphasized that the aim of talks was to ensure Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons.
Trump said he has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and military officials to remain ready to act if negotiations fail. According to Axios, Trump was expected to meet his national security team to review military options alongside ongoing diplomatic efforts.
The move comes amid a broader standoff as Washington’s threats, sanctions and military pressure have so far failed to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear programme, ballistic missile development or regional alliances. Iran continues to exert influence over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route, heightening regional tensions.
Those tensions have disrupted energy markets and pushed up fuel prices in the United States, a development that has hurt consumers and eroded Trump’s economic approval ahead of midterm elections. Analysts describe the situation as a stalemate: both Washington and Tehran appear to believe time favors them. While Trump maintains he holds leverage, experts cited in the reporting say Iran has not faced sufficient pressure to accept U.S. demands. (AP)
Original Source: https://theshillongtimes.com/2026/05/20/trump-halts-iran-attack-amid-gulf-diplomatic-push/
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Publish Date: 2026-05-20 04:56:00
