US President Donald Trump has said he is putting a planned military strike on Iran on hold after direct appeals from key Gulf leaders. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said that Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Mohammed bin Salman, and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged him to delay the attack as “serious negotiations” with Iran were underway.
Trump added that the proposed deal aims to ensure “no nuclear weapons for Iran,” but warned that the US military remains ready for a “full, large-scale assault” if talks fail.
Why did Trump pause the strike on Iran?
Trump described his decision as a mark of respect for Gulf allies, who have faced repeated Iranian attacks in recent months. These countries believe a diplomatic solution is still possible and want to avoid a wider regional conflict.
The fact that Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE approached Washington together is significant. Despite their differences, they now appear united in pushing for de-escalation between the US and Iran.
Just hours after the announcement, Trump said there is a “very good chance” of reaching a deal with Tehran.
Can a new Iran-US deal actually happen?
Efforts to restart talks have gained momentum, with Pakistan stepping in as a mediator. According to reports, Islamabad has delivered a revised 14-point peace proposal from Iran to Washington through backchannels.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the proposal but did not share details publicly. However, the White House has reportedly called it insufficient, suggesting major gaps still remain.
What are the biggest sticking points?
The core issues between the two sides remain unresolved. The US is open to limited peaceful nuclear activity under supervision, but disagreements continue over sanctions relief and security guarantees.
Iran, on the other hand, has refused to give up its uranium enrichment rights. It is also demanding compensation for war damage and removal of restrictions on its oil exports.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said that dialogue does not mean surrender, stressing that Iran will negotiate while protecting its rights and national interests.
