Trump Says US Paused Planned Iran Attack After Appeals from Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar

US President Donald Trump said his administration halted a planned large-scale military strike on Iran after receiving appeals from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, arguing that diplomacy should be given another opportunity. He described the current negotiations as Iran's "last chance" to reach an agreement and avoid further escalation. 

Speaking at the White House, Trump said the proposed operation would have been one of the largest military actions in recent history but was postponed following discussions with Gulf leaders, who warned that a wider conflict could threaten regional stability and global energy markets. 

Trump said the renewed diplomatic effort is expected to focus on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear programme. He warned that if negotiations fail, the United States could reconsider military options, calling the current talks Tehran's "last chance" to avoid further action. 

However, Iran rejected Trump's account, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei saying there are no direct negotiations planned with Washington. Iranian officials maintained that their current discussions are limited to Oman and relate to maritime issues surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. 

The reports highlight the continuing gap between Washington's and Tehran's public positions, despite intensified diplomatic activity involving Gulf countries. Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar have all urged restraint in recent weeks amid concerns that a broader conflict could disrupt regional security and international energy supplies. 

While no formal agreement has been announced, regional mediation efforts remain underway as international stakeholders seek to prevent further escalation in one of the world's most strategically important regions.