Trump holds off planned Tuesday Iran strike after Gulf leaders ask for time

Monday, May 18, 2026Developing

Politics Desk

What we know

U.S. President Donald Trump said Monday he is holding off a military attack on Iran that he said had been planned for Tuesday, after leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates asked him to allow more time for diplomacy. In a Truth Social post, Trump said he instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and the U.S. military not to carry out the scheduled strike, while ordering them to be prepared for a "full, large scale assault" on a moment's notice if no acceptable deal is reached.

Speaking later at the White House, Trump called the pause a "very positive development" and said there seemed to be a "very good chance" of working something out, adding he would be happy to avoid "bombing the hell out of them." He said Gulf allies asked him to wait two or three days because they believe talks with Tehran are close, and that any deal must include no nuclear weapons for Iran.

What's confirmed

AP: Trump holding off Tuesday strike citing "serious negotiations"; planned "very major attack" put off "for a little while, hopefully, maybe forever" (AP).
BBC/CNN: Trump credited Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE leaders; military told to stay ready for large-scale assault if no deal (BBC/CNN).
Reuters: Trump said "very good chance" of a deal limiting Iran's nuclear program after delaying the strike (Reuters).
The National / The Hindu: Truth Social order named Hegseth and Gen. Caine; pause tied to Gulf mediation while forces remain on short notice (The National/Hindu).

What's still developing

How long Washington will hold the pause before renewing strikes.
Whether Gulf-brokered talks close gaps on nuclear limits, Hormuz access and sanctions.
How Iran and Israel respond to the delayed timeline.

Sources

AP News — Trump says he’s called off Iran strike planned for Tuesday at request of Gulf allies link
BBC — Trump says he called off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states link
CNN — Trump says he’ll ‘hold off’ on attacking Iran on Tuesday but tells military to be ready ‘on a moment’s notice’ link
Reuters — Donald Trump says ‘good chance’ of Iran nuclear deal after delaying strike link
The National — Trump says Gulf leaders have persuaded him to delay strikes on Iran link