Amid tensions with Iran, US President Donald Trump announced a pause on a planned military offensive, initially set for Tuesday. This decision follows requests from key Gulf leaders, including Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the UAE’s President Mohamed bin Zayed, and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Trump stated that these leaders assured him of serious negotiations underway with Iran, expressing optimism for a forthcoming deal.
In a Truth Social post, Trump emphasized the importance of the potential agreement, highlighting that it would ensure Iran remains without nuclear weapons. He expressed confidence in the Gulf leaders as strong allies and indicated that the prospective deal would be favorable not only to the United States but also to Middle Eastern countries and beyond. Consequently, Trump directed US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Army Chief General Daniel Caine to halt the planned military action.
Despite the pause, Trump underscored the need for preparedness, instructing his team to be ready for a comprehensive assault on Iran should the negotiations fail. He reiterated the importance of the “no nuclear weapons for Iran” clause as a critical component of any agreement. The president’s instructions highlight the delicate balance between diplomacy and military readiness that the US is maintaining in this tense situation.
Meanwhile, reports surfaced that Iran had presented a revised proposal to the US via Pakistani intermediaries. However, this proposal was deemed inadequate by the US, as it lacked meaningful changes necessary for a deal. A senior US official warned that if Iran does not adjust its stance on its nuclear program, the US might resort to military measures, which would be regrettable.
The revised 14-point proposal from Iran, meant to address ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, reflected Tehran’s concerns about potential US military actions, despite some modest adjustments. However, the US remains firm in its demands, maintaining that substantial changes are required for any diplomatic progress to occur.