ALBAWABA- Donald Trump has postponed a planned US military strike on Iran, originally scheduled for Tuesday, following urgent appeals from Gulf leaders, as indirect negotiations between Washington and Tehran continue under Pakistani mediation.
According to the US president, the decision came after direct requests from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who urged restraint to prevent further regional escalation.
Trump said ongoing diplomatic efforts remain focused on ensuring Iran does not obtain nuclear weapons and expressed confidence that a potential agreement could still be reached with regional backing.
The delay comes amid a fragile ceasefire that has held inconsistently since major escalations in the 2025–2026 Iran conflict. The confrontation began after US and Israeli strikes targeted Iranian nuclear and military facilities, triggering Iranian retaliation, heightened regional tensions, and disruptions to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, alongside a US naval response in the region.
Pakistan continues to play a key mediating role, facilitating indirect exchanges between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials have recently submitted responses to US proposals through Pakistani channels, but major disagreements persist over nuclear limits, sanctions relief, regional influence, and maritime access routes.
Trump has repeatedly warned that the ceasefire remains unstable and has threatened renewed military action if Iran does not accept core US conditions, particularly verifiable constraints designed to prevent nuclear weapons development. Gulf states, meanwhile, have pushed for continued diplomacy, warning that renewed conflict could destabilize energy markets and regional security.
Separately, Iranian state and semi-official media, including Mehr News Agency, reported the activation of air defense systems on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, with explosions heard in the area. The cause has not been independently confirmed, though such incidents have previously been associated with drone activity or defensive responses during periods of heightened tension.
