Donald Trump Says He's Delayed Military Attack on Iran
President Donald Trump announced Monday that he has postponed a planned U.S. military strike on Iran after leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged him to allow ongoing negotiations to continue.
Trump's announcement comes amid weeks of escalating rhetoric and military signaling. In recent days, he has repeatedly warned Tehran that "the clock is ticking" and that Iran must move quickly or face devastating consequences, part of a broader pressure campaign tied to stalled negotiations over Iran's nuclear and military programs.
The message follows a weekend in which Trump flooded Truth Social with war‑themed and AI‑generated images depicting U.S. military action against Iran, underscoring heightened tensions across the region.
Regional diplomacy has intensified as the United States–Iran conflict remains unresolved despite an April ceasefire. Iranian officials have rejected recent U.S. conditions for renewed talks, while Washington has continued to demand limits on Iran's nuclear enrichment and missile capabilities.
Trump's decision to delay the strike marks a rare pause in an otherwise confrontational posture, but one he made clear could be reversed instantly if negotiations collapse.
The news comes as Iran announced the creation of a new body to manage the Strait of Hormuz, escalating a standoff over the vital shipping corridor while peace talks with the United States remain deadlocked.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council said on X that it has established the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, a move widely seen as an attempt to formalize Tehran's control over the waterway it has effectively blockaded for months. The announcement signals that Iran is preparing to institutionalize its grip on the strait even as Washington and Tehran struggle to revive negotiations aimed at easing regional tensions.
Why Did Trump Delay the Attack?
In a lengthy Truth Social post, Trump said the Emir of Qatar, the Saudi crown prince, and the UAE president asked him to "hold off" on the attack scheduled for Tuesday, arguing that talks were progressing and a deal was within reach. The president said the proposed agreement would include a key U.S. demand: that Iran possess no nuclear weapons.
In his post, Trump said he instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman General Daniel Caine, and U.S. forces to stand down from the scheduled strike but remain ready to launch a "full, large scale assault…on a moment's notice" if talks fail.
When Did the Iran War Start?
The conflict began on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian missile sites, drone facilities, and IRGC command centers following a series of Iranian attacks on U.S. positions in Iraq and Syria. The war quickly expanded into air, naval, and cyber operations across the region.
Does Iran Have Nuclear Weapons?
Authoritative international assessments, including from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), have consistently stated that Iran does not possess nuclear weapons.
Iran has enriched uranium beyond limits set in the 2015 nuclear deal, but U.S. and allied intelligence agencies have not publicly concluded that Tehran has built or deployed a nuclear device.
Trump's statement that any deal must include "NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN" reflects a long‑standing U.S. demand to cap enrichment and restrict Iran's nuclear program.
When Did the U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Begin?
A limited ceasefire took effect in early April, following weeks of heavy U.S. airstrikes and Iranian missile launches. The truce reduced large‑scale attacks but did not halt naval clashes, cyber operations, or militia activity in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen. Negotiations to expand the ceasefire have since stalled.
How Many U.S. Troops Have Died in the Iran War?
At least 13 U.S. service members have been killedsince the conflict began, according to the U.S. military. The Pentagon has not released a comprehensive casualty report in several weeks, and figures may change as additional information becomes available.
Crude Oil: How Prices Have Changed Due to the War
Oil prices surged immediately after the war began, with crude jumping above $100 per barrel amid fears of a prolonged disruption to Gulf shipping.
Prices have since fluctuated sharply as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains restricted and global markets react to each new military or diplomatic development. Analysts warn that any renewed fighting or a collapse of negotiations could trigger another rapid spike.
What Happens Next
U.S. officials say military forces remain on high alert in the region, and Trump has made clear the pause could be lifted instantly if negotiations falter. Iran's move to institutionalize control over the strait may complicate any diplomatic breakthrough, raising the risk of further maritime confrontations. Energy analysts warn that even minor escalations could trigger new price spikes as tanker traffic remains constrained.
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This story was originally published May 18, 2026 at 3:24 PM.