Trump has postponed the strike on Iran, scheduled for 19 May, following an appeal from the leaders of the Gulf states
US President Donald Trump announced on the social media platform Truth Social that he had postponed a military strike against Iran scheduled for Tuesday.
According to Trump, he was approached by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The US president noted that the leaders of the Gulf states had asked him to “refrain from the attack that was planned for tomorrow, as serious negotiations are currently underway”.
Trump stated that, in the view of these leaders, there is a possibility of reaching an agreement that “will be very acceptable to the US, as well as to all countries in the Middle East and beyond”.
He also emphasised that such an agreement would ensure that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.
The US President announced that, out of respect for the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, he had instructed Defence Secretary Pete Hagset, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Daniel Kane and the US military not to carry out the planned strike on Iran.
At the same time, Trump stated that he had ordered them to be ready to “immediately launch a full-scale major offensive against Iran” if the parties fail to reach an acceptable agreement.
