WASHINGTON, May 18 —
- Attack Delayed: President Donald Trump said a planned U.S. strike on Iran scheduled for Tuesday was postponed.
- Gulf Pressure: Trump said leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE requested more time for diplomacy.
- Reason Given: The delay was intended to allow for “serious negotiations” with Tehran.
- Iran Response: Iran said it submitted a response to the latest U.S. proposal through Pakistan as mediator.
- Military Readiness: Trump said U.S. forces remain prepared if diplomacy fails.
| Metric | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Planned strike timing | Tuesday | US attack reportedly delayed |
| Gulf states involved | 3 | Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE |
| Mediator country | Pakistan | Channel for Iran response |
| Negotiation status | Ongoing | “Serious negotiations” cited |
| Military posture | Ready | US forces remain on standby |
Trump Says Gulf Leaders Asked for Delay
President Donald Trump said the United States held off on a planned military strike against Iran after requests from Gulf allies seeking additional time for diplomacy.
According to Trump, leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged Washington to postpone an attack that had reportedly been planned for Tuesday to allow space for “serious negotiations” with Tehran. :contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}
Trump said the decision followed renewed diplomatic activity, though he warned military options remain available if talks fail to produce results. U.S. forces were instructed to remain prepared for a possible large-scale response if negotiations collapse. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
Iran Sends Response Through Pakistan
The delay came shortly after Iran said it had submitted a response to the latest U.S. proposal through Pakistan, which has increasingly acted as an intermediary in discussions between Washington and Tehran. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Details of Iran’s response were not immediately disclosed, though previous negotiations have centered on Tehran’s nuclear program, sanctions relief, and shipping access through the Strait of Hormuz. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
Markets Watching Diplomacy Closely
The diplomatic developments are being closely monitored by energy markets, as tensions involving Iran and the Strait of Hormuz have raised concerns over global oil supply disruptions and shipping security. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
