Trump Says U.S. Suspends Planned Iran Strike Amid Gulf-Led Diplomatic Push

May 18, 2026
Trump

President of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced the suspension of a planned military strike against Iran, saying the decision followed direct appeals from key Middle Eastern leaders who urged Washington to allow ongoing negotiations to continue.

In a statement released on Monday, Trump disclosed that the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, requested that the United States delay a military operation against the Islamic Republic of Iran that had been scheduled for the following day.

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According to Trump, the Gulf leaders informed Washington that “serious negotiations” were underway and expressed confidence that a diplomatic agreement acceptable to the United States, regional allies, and the broader Middle East could still be achieved.

The U.S. President stated that the proposed agreement would include a commitment preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, describing the issue as a central condition for any future deal.

“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,” Trump said in the statement.

He added that, based on his respect for the three Middle Eastern leaders, he had instructed U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Daniel Caine, and the American military to stand down from the planned attack.

However, Trump stressed that the U.S. military had also been directed to remain on high alert and prepared to launch “a full, large scale assault” against Iran at short notice if negotiations fail to produce what he described as an “acceptable Deal.”

The development signals a potentially critical diplomatic opening amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, while also underscoring the growing role of Gulf Arab states in mediating regional security crises.

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Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

Amanze Chinonye

Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.

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