US President Donald Trump has announced that he has called off a planned military strike against Iran, citing direct appeals from Gulf state leaders and the emergence of renewed diplomatic negotiations.
In a statement posted on his Truth Social platform, Trump said the decision followed requests from leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, who urged restraint as talks between Washington and Tehran show signs of progress.
The US president indicated that a potential agreement could be reached that would be “very acceptable” to the United States, reiterating his administration’s core demand that Iran must not develop nuclear weapons. However, he maintained that military action remains an option, warning that the US is prepared to launch a “full, large scale assault” if negotiations fail.
The development comes against the backdrop of ongoing conflict that began in late February, when US and Israeli forces carried out coordinated air strikes on Iranian targets. Tehran responded with drone and missile attacks on US and allied positions across the Gulf, escalating tensions across the region.
A ceasefire reached in April has largely held, though sporadic exchanges continue. Despite the relative calm, the situation remains fragile, with both sides maintaining military readiness while pursuing parallel diplomatic channels.
Iranian officials have responded cautiously to Trump’s announcement. A senior military commander warned the United States against making what he described as “strategic mistakes,” signalling that Tehran remains prepared to retaliate if provoked.
At the centre of the standoff is Iran’s nuclear programme, which Western powers argue is aimed at developing nuclear weapons. Iran has consistently denied the claims, insisting its nuclear activities are for peaceful purposes. Recent negotiations have reportedly focused on limiting uranium enrichment, reducing nuclear infrastructure, and establishing long term monitoring mechanisms.
Iran is also demanding an end to US military pressure, including the naval blockade of its ports and guarantees against future attacks. Additional conditions reportedly include compensation for war related damage and recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global energy route.
The Strait of Hormuz has become a key flashpoint in the crisis. Iran’s effective control over the waterway has disrupted global oil flows, with around 20 percent of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the corridor. The disruption has contributed to rising energy prices and heightened concerns in global markets.
Gulf states, which host key US military installations and energy infrastructure, are particularly exposed to the risk of escalation. Analysts say their intervention reflects fears that further conflict could trigger retaliatory attacks on critical facilities, including airports, oil refineries, and desalination plants that supply drinking water.
Domestically, the decision to pause military action comes at a politically sensitive moment for Trump. Recent polling indicates declining approval ratings and growing public opposition to the war, with a majority of voters expressing concern over the economic and human costs of continued conflict.
Despite the pause, Trump struck a cautious tone, acknowledging that previous negotiation efforts had collapsed. “We’ve had periods where we thought we were close to a deal and it didn’t work out,” he said, adding that the current situation appears “a little bit different.”
Diplomatic engagement between the US and Iran is ongoing, with intermediaries, including Pakistan, facilitating communication between the two sides. While no final agreement has been reached, both governments have indicated a willingness to continue discussions.
The coming weeks are expected to be critical in determining whether the current window for diplomacy can prevent a return to full scale conflict in one of the world’s most strategically sensitive regions.
