US president says diplomatic engagement with Gulf allies and Iran led him to cancel planned military action, as new negotiations are set to begin.
WASHINGTON, D.C., United States — Web Desk: US President Donald Trump announced that he has called off a planned large-scale military strike against Iran, saying diplomatic efforts involving Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Iran had opened the door for renewed negotiations.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One while traveling to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Trump said the United States would pursue diplomacy instead of military action, with fresh talks scheduled to begin on Monday.
Background
The announcement comes amid weeks of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.
Trump said discussions with key Middle Eastern partners convinced him that negotiations offered the best opportunity to de-escalate the crisis.
Latest Developments
The US president revealed that he had canceled what he described as a “massive attack” planned for Friday after consultations with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Iran.
According to Trump, negotiators from the United States and Iran are expected to begin a new round of discussions immediately, with Washington hoping diplomacy can produce a lasting agreement.
He stressed that while military options remain available, the administration believes a negotiated settlement is preferable.
Official Statements
Trump said he and several Middle Eastern allies favored diplomacy over military action, arguing that dialogue offers a better path to resolving the crisis.
“We prefer diplomacy,” Trump told reporters, while cautioning that failure in negotiations could still result in renewed escalation.
Global Impact
The announcement could ease immediate concerns over a direct military confrontation between the United States and Iran, which had threatened to disrupt regional stability and global energy markets.
Regional mediators, particularly Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar, have increasingly played a role in encouraging diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran.
Investors and international observers are expected to closely monitor the outcome of the new negotiations for signs of lasting de-escalation.
Trump’s decision to suspend planned military action marks a significant diplomatic shift as Washington and Tehran prepare to resume talks. While the move has reduced immediate fears of conflict, the success of the negotiations will determine whether tensions continue to ease or return to confrontation.
