Trump says he’ll ‘hold off’ on attacking Iran on Tuesday but tells military to be ready ‘on a moment’s notice’
Trump says he’ll ‘hold off’ on attacking Iran on Tuesday but tells military to be ready ‘on a moment’s notice’
Deliberation and Preparedness in the Face of Negotiations
Trump says he ll hold off – President Donald Trump revealed Monday that he has decided to postpone the planned Tuesday military strike on Iran, citing a request from leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. This move comes as the talks to resolve the ongoing conflict intensify, with Trump describing the situation as increasingly “serious.” The delay, however, does not signal a complete halt to hostilities, as the president emphasized to his advisors that the armed forces must remain on standby for immediate action.
During a press briefing at the White House, Trump expressed cautious optimism about the potential for a breakthrough. “This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN,” he stated in a quote, underscoring a key condition. While the delay provides time for negotiations, the president warned that the window could remain open for an extended period. “We were getting ready to do a very major attack tomorrow. I put it off for a little while — hopefully, maybe, forever — but possibly for a little while,” he remarked, highlighting the Gulf states’ belief that a compromise may soon be achievable.
“I was asked by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, UAE, and some others if we could put it off for two or three days, a short period of time, because they think that they are getting very close to making a deal,” Trump told CNN’s Kristen Holmes. This statement reflects the interplay between regional diplomacy and American military strategy, as Trump balances the urgency of the conflict with the need for political flexibility.
Despite the pause, Trump reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring Iran cannot acquire nuclear capabilities. He instructed his national security team to maintain readiness, stating, “I have told my leadership to be prepared to go forward with a full, large-scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice.” This directive suggests that while the attack is temporarily shelved, the US remains poised to act if negotiations falter.
The decision to delay the strike follows a period of growing frustration with the negotiation process. Trump had initially outlined plans to target Iranian assets on Tuesday after receiving a list of options from senior military officials. However, the specifics of the operation—its scale and targets—remained undisclosed. The Gulf states’ intervention, which included direct discussions with US representatives, appears to have influenced this shift in strategy.
Iran’s Proposal and the Sticking Points
Iran’s latest offer to end the war, shared with US negotiators through Pakistani intermediaries, did not resolve the most contentious issues, according to an informed source. The primary disagreement centers on Iran’s nuclear program, specifically its capacity to enrich uranium. Trump has repeatedly highlighted this as a non-negotiable condition, stating that any agreement must include halting nuclear advancements to prevent the country from developing weapons.
“If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I’d be very happy,” Trump told CNN, indicating a willingness to accept a peaceful resolution if it aligns with US interests. Yet, the president remains skeptical, noting that previous attempts at a deal have failed to meet expectations. “It’s a very positive development, but we’ll see whether or not it amounts to anything,” he said, emphasizing the need for tangible progress.
Domestic Implications and Strategic Adjustments
The delay in the military campaign has coincided with domestic challenges, including a rise in gas prices and a decline in economic approval ratings. As the war enters its third month, these factors have added pressure on Trump to find a resolution that satisfies both regional allies and the American public. The president’s advisors are expected to reconvene early this week to evaluate the next steps, with Trump maintaining an open approach to potential outcomes.
Trump’s strategy has evolved since April 21, when he extended the ceasefire and credited Pakistan with requesting the delay. At that time, he also pointed to internal divisions within Iran’s government, suggesting that a unified proposal was necessary before taking further action. However, the latest developments indicate that the president is growing more impatient with the pace of talks, even as he continues to seek a diplomatic path forward.
While the pause allows for renewed dialogue, Trump’s military readiness ensures that any delay is temporary. “I have instructed Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Caine, and the United States Military that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full-scale operation at a moment’s notice,” he said. This dual approach underscores the administration’s focus on both political and military preparedness.
Analysts suggest that the Gulf states’ confidence in reaching an agreement has played a critical role in Trump’s decision. The leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE have reportedly been instrumental in urging a temporary halt, believing that Iran’s latest proposal represents a meaningful step toward peace. However, the US remains cautious, as the concessions offered so far may not be sufficient to meet Trump’s criteria.
The evolving situation highlights the complexity of the conflict, where military action and diplomacy are in constant tension. Trump’s willingness to hold off on the strike demonstrates his recognition of the importance of negotiations, even as he maintains the option to resume hostilities should the talks stall. The outcome of these discussions will likely shape the trajectory of the war in the coming weeks, with the potential to either ease tensions or escalate them further.
