WASHINGTON: U.S. President Donald Trump announced Saturday that negotiations with Iran will commence this afternoon, revealing that a planned major military strike on the Islamic Republic was canceled at the direct request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Iran itself.
In a series of statements, Trump said the U.S. remains “locked and loaded and ready to go against the Islamic Republic of Iran,” but confirmed he had agreed to hold off on new strikes provided a deal can be reached rapidly. He stressed that the emerging agreement must include the “Immediate, Complete and Total OPENING OF THE HORMUZ STRAIT, and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat”.
Trump emphasized that the decision to stand down was made at the urging of regional leaders. “Based on this request, I have agreed, for the future benefit of the WORLD and, likewise, the survival of a successful and prosperous Iran, to cancel the attack, subject to being able to rapidly make a DEAL,” he posted on Truth Social. He noted that the planned assault would have been the largest attack since World War II.
According to reports, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke directly with Trump and expressed deep concern over plans for major attacks, urging de-escalation. UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Qatar’s Emir also appealed for delay as “serious negotiations” were underway. Trump added that Israel has joined the U.S. commitment to end the war.
Iran, however, has cast doubt on the U.S. president’s claims. Tehran’s Mehr news agency denied that the Islamic Republic asked the U.S. to refrain from strikes, calling the allegation “nothing but a new lie” and stating that Iranian armed forces remain “on high alert and ready for any eventuality”.
