Trump Postpones Planned Military Strike on Iran Following Appeals from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and UAE

US President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that a planned military strike on Iran has been postponed at the request of senior leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Trump stated that he has directed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Daniel Ken to halt the operation. However, he warned that the US remains ready to act immediately if a suitable agreement is not reached. Public surveys indicate strong opposition among the American populace to engaging in war. Kathmandu, May 19.

Trump publicly revealed that the scheduled military action against Iran was called off following appeals from Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Posting on his social media platform Truth Social, Trump said, “I am currently engaged in serious discussions, and these leaders requested the postponement of the planned military strike against Iran scheduled for Tuesday.”

In respect to these leaders, Trump said he ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Daniel Ken, and the US military to cancel the attack planned for Tuesday. However, he made clear, “I have informed these leaders that without a suitable understanding, we should be prepared to strike Iran immediately.” Despite a dip in his popularity, Trump had been moving forward with plans for the strike. Recent American surveys show approximately 64 percent of voters believe going to war with Iran would be a wrong decision. Analysis published Monday by The New York Times and CNN suggests this opinion could pose a significant challenge for the Republican Party in the upcoming midterm elections.