Trump pauses Iran attack at Gulf allies' request as Tehran warns war will widen

President Donald Trump announced that he was within an hour of ordering a military strike against Iran on Tuesday before deciding to postpone the attack. The U.S. president stated that the decision to hold off was made after Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other Persian Gulf allies requested more time to pursue diplomacy. While describing ongoing peace talks as very positive and serious, Trump warned that he has instructed the U.S. military to be prepared to launch a full, large-scale assault on a moment's notice if an acceptable deal is not reached.

Trump indicated that Iran may have only two or three days, potentially until Sunday or early next week, to reach an agreement. He emphasized that the United States cannot allow Iran to acquire a new nuclear weapon and cautioned that another big hit could occur in the coming days. Vice President JD Vance has also noted that progress is being made toward a deal, even as the threat of renewed strikes remains open.

In response, Iran's Revolutionary Guard and army have threatened to retaliate beyond the Middle East in places that cannot be imagined if the U.S. or Israel resume attacks. Tehran warned it would open new fronts in the conflict, asserting that it has used the current ceasefire to strengthen its combat capabilities and learn from past clashes.

Although Tehran submitted a new offer this week, reports indicate the terms remain largely unchanged from a previous offer that Trump already rejected, specifically regarding the lifting of sanctions. Despite these sticking points, Iranian leaders continue to project defiance and reject pressure from the United States as the deadline for a deal approaches.