US President Donald Trump has announced that he has temporarily called off a planned military attack on Iran following urgent requests from Gulf leaders, signaling a possible diplomatic opening in the escalating Middle East conflict.
In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates appealed to him to delay military action as “serious negotiations” were underway. Trump claimed he had been assured that a deal acceptable to Washington could soon emerge, while reiterating that the United States would never allow Iran to possess nuclear weapons.
Despite pausing the operation, Trump warned that the US military remains prepared to launch a “full, large-scale assault” against Iran at any moment if negotiations fail.
The development comes as tensions remain extremely high across the region after months of military confrontation between US-Israeli forces and Iran-backed groups. Gulf nations are reportedly concerned that any further American attack could trigger a major Iranian retaliation targeting airports, oil facilities, desalination plants, and other critical infrastructure across the region.
Meanwhile, oil markets reacted sharply to Trump’s announcement, with prices fluctuating amid uncertainty surrounding the future of the conflict and Iran’s continued control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas supply passes.
Inside the United States, the conflict is becoming increasingly unpopular. Recent opinion polls indicate a majority of Americans oppose the war with Iran, while Trump’s approval ratings continue to decline ahead of upcoming midterm elections.
Iran has also responded cautiously. Senior Iranian officials warned Washington against making further “strategic mistakes,” while Tehran reportedly continues indirect talks with the US through Pakistani mediators. Iranian leaders are demanding an end to military operations, removal of sanctions and blockades, compensation for war damages, and recognition of Iran’s sovereignty in regional waters.
The ongoing dispute over Iran’s nuclear program remains the central obstacle. While Western nations accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons capability, Tehran insists its nuclear activities are strictly for peaceful and civilian purposes.