President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social that he has postponed a planned military attack on Iran, initially set for Tuesday (May 19), following requests from Middle Eastern leaders. The leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE urged Trump to delay the assault, citing ongoing "serious negotiations" that could lead to a deal acceptable to the United States and other Middle Eastern nations. The proposed agreement aims to ensure that Iran does not develop nuclear weapons.

Trump's decision to hold off on the attack comes amid heightened tensions in the region. According to BBC News, UN Secretary General António Guterres and Pope Leo XIV condemned Trump's threats, which suggested dire consequences if Iran did not comply. Guterres emphasized that civilian populations should not suffer due to political and military decisions, while Pope Leo XIV called for a return to negotiations.

The conflict has already seen significant military activity. As reported by Al Jazeera, the US and Israel have conducted strikes on Iranian military targets, and Iran has retaliated with missile attacks on Israel and a Saudi petrochemical complex. The situation remains tense, with the potential for further escalation if a diplomatic resolution is not reached.

Regional mediator Pakistan has requested a two-week extension to allow diplomacy to continue, urging both the US and Iran to show goodwill by reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Sky News reports that the White House is considering this proposal.

As the deadline approaches, Trump has warned of a "full, large scale" assault on Iran if no agreement is reached. The outcome of these negotiations could significantly impact the stability of the region and the global oil market, as the Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage for oil shipments.

Vicki McKenna