Trump says he called off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

May 18, 2026

President Trump has postponed a planned military strike on Iran scheduled for Tuesday, stating that Gulf Arab leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE requested the delay to allow for ongoing negotiations. The decision comes as Trump faces declining approval ratings and growing public opposition to the Iran conflict, with 64% of voters believing the war was a mistake. The negotiations involve complex demands from both sides, including Iran's insistence on ending the conflict, lifting the US naval blockade, and maintaining control of the Strait of Hormuz, while the US seeks significant restrictions on Iran's nuclear program.

Who is affected

President Donald Trump and his administration
Gulf state leaders (Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates)
Iranian government and military, including Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei
Israeli forces and government
Civilians in Gulf states near potential Iranian targets (airports, petrochemical facilities, desalination plants)
Republican Party facing midterm elections
Global oil and gas markets affected by Strait of Hormuz closure
US voters (64% oppose the war, 37% approve of Trump's job performance)
Hezbollah in Lebanon
Pakistani mediators

What action is being taken

Serious negotiations are taking place between the US and Iran
Exchanges between Washington and Tehran are continuing through Pakistani mediators
The US is enforcing a blockade of Iranian ports
Iran is controlling the Strait of Hormuz, closing the waterway
An April ceasefire is largely being observed despite occasional exchanges of fire

Why it matters

This matters because it represents a potential turning point in preventing a full-scale military conflict between the US and Iran that has already involved massive air strikes and retaliatory attacks. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz affects approximately 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas supply, causing oil prices to soar globally and creating economic ripple effects worldwide. Gulf states face existential threats from potential Iranian retaliation targeting critical infrastructure including desalination plants that provide drinking water during extreme summer heat. The political implications are significant as Trump's declining approval ratings and public opposition to the war could influence upcoming midterm elections, while the nuclear proliferation concerns at the heart of the dispute have long-term international security implications.

What's next

Trump has threatened to proceed with "a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment's notice" if no acceptable deal is reached
Negotiations are expected to continue through Pakistani mediators
Iran warned that new fronts would be opened where the enemy would be highly vulnerable if attacks continue
Both sides are awaiting responses to their respective proposals and demands

Read full article from source: BBC