Trump Delays Iran Strike at Request from Middle East Leaders
US President Donald Trump said Monday (May 18) that he was canceling a planned strike on Iran scheduled for Tuesday after three Middle East leaders urged him to “exercise restraint.” Trump said he had told US military leaders that the planned strike “will not happen.”
In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the request came from Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Trump stated that the request was based on the leaders’ belief that “serious negotiations” were underway and that a deal could be reached.
Trump asserted that the deal must ensure “no nuclear weapons for Iran.” However, he also said he had instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman General Dan Caine to remain ready to proceed with a “large-scale strike” at any time if an acceptable agreement is not reached.
Prior to the post, there had been no official confirmation that the US would strike Iran on Tuesday. Trump told the New York Post that Iran “knows what’s coming soon,” without elaborating. Axios reports that Trump is considering resuming active military operations after Iran's latest response in negotiations was deemed inadequate.
This situation is unfolding amid a military and economic standoff centered on the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. The battle for influence over the strait has weakened a ceasefire that went into effect nearly six weeks ago and has repeatedly "leaked" due to the fighting, with Trump last week calling the ceasefire "Critical." For the market, this development typically maintains a risk premium on energy as the direction of the conflict and access to Hormuz remain uncertain.
Source: Newsmaker.id
