Trump Halts "Massive Attack" on Iran as Breakthrough Negotiations Set for Monday
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In a dramatic eleventh-hour reversal, US President Donald Trump has officially called off a planned military offensive against Iran, announcing instead that fresh diplomatic negotiations will commence on Monday. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, President Trump confirmed that lines of communication remain open through regional intermediaries. Emphasising his desire for a peaceful resolution, he noted that striking a deal would save countless lives and avoid unnecessary destruction, while describing the cancelled offensive as what would have been the "biggest attacks since World War II".
Why Did Trump Cancel the Planned Military Strike?
The sudden de-escalation comes on the heels of intense, high-stakes diplomacy involving key Middle Eastern players, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, and Oman. President Trump revealed that these regional diplomatic interventions prompted him to halt the "massive attack" originally scheduled for Friday.
A central focus of the upcoming negotiations is the management of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Trump expressed optimism that a comprehensive agreement could be reached regarding the maritime corridor and voiced confidence that a long-term deal on Iran's denuclearisation would eventually be secured. "We are ready to go whenever we want. Would I rather make a deal? I'm not looking to kill people," the President stated, confirming that Iran and three other nations had explicitly requested a return to the negotiating table.
The Battle Over the Strait of Hormuz
According to regional media reports, mediators have been working overtime to revive a memorandum of understanding designed to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and free of transit fees for 60 days. Iranian state media indicated that parallel talks between Tehran and Oman to establish a joint mechanism for managing the corridor are nearing completion.
However, deep ideological friction remains. The original framework reportedly collapsed due to conflicting interpretations. While Washington insists the shipping passage must remain open indefinitely, Tehran fiercely maintains that any agreement must uphold its sovereign authority over the critical waterway.
Gulf Allies Divided Over US Strategy
Behind-the-scenes diplomacy played a crucial role in averting immediate bloodshed. Qatari officials conducted high-level discussions with Iran, the US, and Oman before relaying a proposed Strait of Hormuz management plan to Trump on Saturday. Concurrently, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman personally telephoned the US President to advocate for restraint and urge against kinetic military action.
Despite these efforts, the situation remains highly volatile. While no US military strikes occurred over the weekend, Iranian military leaders publicly dismissed Trump's narrative of the events as a "lie," and sources tied to Tehran's delegation insisted that no formal maritime accord has been finalised yet. Furthermore, opinions among Washington's Gulf allies are sharply polarised. While Saudi Arabia has consistently counselled restraint, the UAE has reportedly lobbied the White House for a more assertive military posture, arguing that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will not alter its aggressive course without facing direct American force.
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