President Donald Trump announced he has called off a planned military strike on Iran scheduled for Tuesday, following appeals from leaders of Persian Gulf allies who requested additional time to pursue a diplomatic resolution. In a social media post, Trump stated that the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates asked him to delay the attack, citing ongoing serious negotiations.
The president's decision marks the latest twist in a tense standoff, as Trump has repeatedly threatened renewed military action against Iran without following through. There was no immediate confirmation from Tehran of renewed talks. Trump emphasized that the United States remains prepared to attack if an acceptable deal is not reached, though he did not set a specific deadline.
Diplomatic Efforts and Rejected Proposals
Earlier on Monday, both sides indicated they had rejected fresh proposals as insufficient to secure an agreement. The White House stated that a proposal delivered by Iran through Pakistani mediators on Sunday lacked meaningful improvement, failing to offer detailed commitments on surrendering Iran's stockpile of highly enriched uranium and suspending further enrichment, according to Axios, citing a senior US official and a person briefed on the matter.
Iran, meanwhile, indicated that US demands remain unacceptable. Tehran has refused to budge on key positions, insisting that its frozen assets be returned and that compensation for the war be paid. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that the US had offered to lift sanctions on Iranian oil sales until a final deal was reached, but a US official denied this claim.
Economic and Military Pressures
Trump's post was the latest indication of the bind he faces with the conflict, where Tehran has taken a hard line in the absence of credible threats of renewed attacks by the US. However, escalation would bring further increases in oil prices, something the White House has so far been unwilling to risk. Oil erased much of the day's gains after Trump's comments, while Treasury yields declined and stocks pared losses.
With crucial oil exports from the Persian Gulf all but cut off amid the war, Trump has been pushing Iran to make a deal or face a resumption of strikes. Iran has vowed to fight back. Earlier Monday, the UAE reported a drone strike near a major nuclear power plant. High oil prices have added pressure on the Trump administration, and the Treasury Department announced it is extending a sanctions waiver to allow sales of Russian oil for another 30 days.
