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US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday he has postponed a planned military strike on Iran following appeals from leaders in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, citing ongoing "serious negotiations" that could yield an acceptable agreement.
Gulf states intervene as tensions escalate
In a post on Truth Social, Trump revealed Gulf leaders had urged restraint, stating a deal was in progress that would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He emphasized the US military remains on standby for immediate action if negotiations fail, warning: "We will be ready to go forward with a full, large-scale assault of Iran on a moment's notice."
A senior Iranian military commander responded with a caution against "strategic mistakes and miscalculations," underscoring the fragile state of diplomacy.
Public opinion shifts against conflict
Trump's announcement comes as domestic support for the war wanes. A New York Times/Siena poll released Monday found 64% of voters believe the US made the wrong decision by engaging in conflict with Iran. Only 37% approve of Trump's overall job performance, reflecting growing frustration over his handling of the economy, immigration, and the prolonged war ahead of midterm elections.
Escalation fears grip Gulf region
Since US and Israeli forces launched airstrikes on Iran on February 28, Tehran has retaliated with drones and missiles targeting Israeli and American assets across the Gulf. Regional leaders fear Iran's substantial arsenal could devastate critical infrastructure, including airports, petrochemical plants, and desalination facilities, as summer heat intensifies.
Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz-a vital route for 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas-has further strained markets, sending prices surging. The US has enforced a naval blockade on Iranian ports to pressure Tehran into concessions.
Diplomatic exchanges continue amid skepticism
Trump described the current talks as "a very positive development," though he acknowledged past negotiations had collapsed. "We've had periods where we thought we were close to a deal, and it didn't work out. But this is a little bit different," he told reporters, expressing hope for a resolution without further military action.
Iranian officials confirmed ongoing discussions through Pakistani mediators, though Iranian media reported the US had yet to offer concrete concessions. Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned in republished remarks that Iran would open new fronts against adversaries in vulnerable areas.
Demands and counter-demands
Iran's conditions for a deal, as reported by Tasnim news agency, include an immediate end to the war, cessation of US naval blockades, guarantees against future attacks, war reparations, and recognition of Iranian sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran also seeks an end to Israeli strikes on Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The US reportedly countered with five demands, including limiting Iran to a single nuclear site and transferring its stockpile of highly enriched uranium to American custody. Trump hinted at flexibility on Friday, suggesting he might accept a 20-year suspension of Iran's nuclear program-a shift from the earlier demand for a permanent end.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei defended Tehran's proposals as "responsible" and "generous," while Trump had previously dismissed them as "totally unacceptable," warning Iran to "get moving, FAST, or there won't be anything left of them."
Nuclear dispute remains central
The US and European allies accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons under the guise of a civilian program. Tehran maintains its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. The impasse over uranium enrichment remains a key obstacle to any agreement.
Despite an April ceasefire, sporadic clashes persist, leaving the region on edge as negotiations unfold.
