US Halts Planned Strike On Iran After Gulf Leaders Urged Trump To ‘Hold Off’ On Attack

 

 

 

By Olumuyiwa Olumuyiwa

 

 

The United States will no longer go ahead with its planned military strike on Iran following  the intervention of Gulf Leaders who urged restraint and promised strike negotiations that may lead to a deal between the two warring parties.

 

 

While giving updates on the planned attack, President Donald Trump noted that he received appeals from Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar; Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia; and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), over the matter.

 

 

The US president spoke in a Truth Social post on Monday.

 

 

According to Trump, the attacks were scheduled for Tuesday, but the Gulf leaders asked him to hold off, saying ” serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond”.

 

 

Trump, added that part of the deal would include no nuclear weapons for Iran.

 

The US has never hidden his opposition to the alleged  plan by Iran to build nuclear weapons

 

 

Though Iran has consistently denied plans to build nuclear weapons, the gulf nation has also said the US’ demands are against the rights of the Iranian people and are merely political excuses.

 

Talks have been ongoing between Washington and Tehran since Trump announced a ceasefire on April 7.

 

 

 

 

The negotiations have been primarily facilitated by Pakistan, but Gulf states, which were entangled in the war, are believed to be involved behind the scenes.

 

 

For months, some nations in the gulf region appeared not to have taken sides in the conflict between the US and their neighbour, however, last week it became public that Saudi Arabia and the UAE launched multiple covert strikes on Iran in retaliation for attacks during the Middle East war.

 

 

 

 

Trump said he has directed Pete Hegseth, defence secretary; Daniel Caine, chairman of the joint chiefs of staff; and the US military to prepare for a “full, large-scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice” in the event that an acceptable deal is not reached.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Iran has submitted its latest proposal in 14 points through the Pakistani intermediary, who will present it to the Americans, Tasnim reported.

 

 

It follows the US’ recent response to Iran’s previous proposal