On Monday, President Donald Trump revealed that he decided to halt a military strike on Iran that was slated for Tuesday. This decision came after leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged him to allow more time for diplomatic negotiations to potentially reach an agreement.
Trump shared this development through a post on Truth Social, stating that Qatar's Emir, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani; Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman; and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan personally requested a delay in the operation.
"The Emir of Qatar, the Saudi Crown Prince, and the UAE President asked me to postpone our planned military strike against the Islamic Republic of Iran, scheduled for tomorrow, as serious negotiations are underway. They believe a very acceptable agreement for the United States and the entire region can be reached," Trump wrote.
The president instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Daniel Caine to suspend the operation. However, he warned that the forces remain on high alert.
"I have directed that we be ready for a large-scale attack on Iran at any moment, should an acceptable agreement not be reached," Trump specified.
The sought-after agreement, according to the U.S. president, would include a complete ban on nuclear weapons for Iran, a condition Tehran has consistently rejected in prior negotiation rounds.
The armed conflict between the U.S. and Israel versus Iran erupted on February 28, 2026, when a joint operation targeted Iranian nuclear facilities in Natanz, Isfahan, and Fordow.
In retaliation, Iran launched missiles and drones and closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about 20% of the world's oil supply. This left approximately 2,000 ships and 20,000 sailors stranded, causing crude prices to soar from $67 to over $126 per barrel.
Since April 13, the U.S. has maintained a naval blockade on Iranian ports, deploying 12 warships, 100 aircraft, and 10,000 troops, with the Pentagon estimating the cost at around $25 billion.
Negotiations have stalled over a fundamental disagreement: Washington demands the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program and a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment, while Tehran has offered pauses ranging from five to 15 years.
On May 11, Trump described Iran's latest response to the peace proposal as "totally unacceptable," and the following day, he convened his security cabinet to assess military options.
Last Monday, Trump warned that time was running out for Iran to make a deal, stating that "nothing will be left" if an agreement is not reached.
According to Axios, Trump has postponed military action against Iran at least six times since the crisis began, making this latest decision another diplomatic pause with the looming threat of a massive strike.
Key Questions About U.S.-Iran Tensions
Why did President Trump halt the military strike on Iran?
President Trump halted the planned military strike on Iran following a request from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates to allow more time for diplomatic negotiations.
What is the main point of contention in the U.S.-Iran negotiations?
The primary issue in the negotiations is the U.S. demand for the complete dismantlement of Iran's nuclear program and a 20-year moratorium on uranium enrichment, which Iran has not agreed to.
What has been the impact of the conflict on global oil prices?
The conflict led to Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil passage, which stranded thousands of ships and caused oil prices to rise dramatically from $67 to over $126 per barrel.