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Trump Pauses Iran Strike at Request of Gulf Allies as Negotiations Intensify

The President warns that while he is pursuing a diplomatic path to prevent a nuclear Iran, the U.S. military remains ready to strike at a moment's notice.

Foreign PolicyPublished May 18, 2026 at 10:30 PMProcessed May 19, 2026 at 10:17 AM
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks at an event in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington, DC, USA, 18 May 2026.

President Trump announced he is delaying a planned military strike on Iran, citing ongoing negotiations and direct requests from the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates.

While the President remains open to a deal that ensures Iran is permanently denied nuclear weapons, he issued a stern warning to the regime: the United States is prepared to launch a massive, large-scale assault on a moment's notice if Tehran does not agree to terms that are acceptable to American interests.

The regime in Tehran, which continues to threaten global stability by controlling the Strait of Hormuz and endangering vital energy infrastructure, has been warned that the clock is ticking.

Despite the posturing of Iranian military commanders and the regime's attempts to leverage its nuclear program, the President’s position remains clear—the U.S. will not tolerate a nuclear-armed Iran. While the media focuses on domestic polling and political optics, the administration is prioritizing national security and the stability of our regional allies.

The U.S. blockade of Iranian ports continues to exert pressure on the regime, forcing them to the table as they face the reality of American resolve. Whether this diplomatic opening results in a concrete agreement or necessitates a decisive military response, the objective remains unchanged: neutralizing the threat posed by the Iranian regime.

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irantrumpforeign-policynational-securitymiddle-east

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