US President Donald Trump says planned str!ke on Iran is paused amid ongoing nuclear deal talks

US President Donald Trump has announced that a planned US military operation targeting Iran has been temporarily put on hold, citing urgent diplomatic intervention from key Gulf allies and ongoing negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

In a statement, Trump said he was asked by regional leaders, including the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to delay the planned strike, as diplomatic discussions were actively underway.

According to the statement, Gulf leaders expressed confidence that a negotiated settlement could be reached that would be acceptable to the United States as well as countries across the Middle East. Central to the talks is the demand that Iran must not develop or possess nuclear weapons.

Trump said that in light of these assurances and ongoing negotiations, he has instructed senior military leadership, including the Secretary of Defense and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to hold off on the planned operation.

However, he also stressed that the US military has been directed to remain fully prepared for immediate action if diplomatic efforts fail or if a satisfactory agreement is not reached. He described the potential response as a “large-scale” military operation that could be launched “on a moment’s notice.”

The announcement comes amid heightened regional tensions and renewed international efforts to revive dialogue over Iran’s nuclear programme, with Gulf states reportedly playing a mediating role to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.