The US president has said Gulf leaders urged Washington to delay a planned military strike on Iran, citing ongoing diplomatic efforts.
In a post, he said Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had intervened ahead of the operation.
Trump said they asked him “to hold off on our planned Military attack” on Iran, “which was scheduled for tomorrow”.
He added the leaders pointed to active negotiations and expressed confidence that a deal could be reached.
He wrote that they believe “that serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond”.
“This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!”
He said he had ordered a pause, while keeping forces ready to strike.
“Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Daniel Caine, and The United States Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached.”
