Trump: Planned May 19 Attack on Iran Postponed at Request of Middle Eastern Nations

(CNA, Washington, May 18, by reporter Hou Tzu-ying) Amid a stalemate in peace talks between the U.S. and Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump stated today that he has ordered the U.S. military to delay a planned military attack on Iran, originally scheduled for tomorrow, at the request of leaders from Middle Eastern countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. However, if an acceptable agreement cannot be reached, the U.S. military must be prepared to launch an immediate attack on Iran upon instruction. Yesterday, Donald Trump warned Iran that 'they will be annihilated' if Tehran does not quickly reach a peace agreement with the U.S. Foreign reports indicate that Washington and Tehran agreed to a ceasefire on April 8, but peace negotiations have stalled, and sporadic attacks have continued. This afternoon, Trump wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social, that the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates had requested that the U.S. postpone the military attack on Iran planned for tomorrow. The post stated that this was due to serious negotiations underway, and they believe an agreement acceptable to the U.S., all Middle Eastern countries, and elsewhere, will be reached. Trump added, 'Importantly, this agreement will include Iran NOT having nuclear weapons!' Trump said that out of respect for these leaders, he has instructed U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, and the U.S. military that 'we will not carry out the planned attack on Iran tomorrow.' But he also ordered that if an acceptable agreement is not reached, the U.S. military must be prepared to launch a 'full and massive attack' on Iran at a moment's notice. (Editor: Chen Yen-chun) 1150519