United States President Donald Trump abruptly announced that he had canceled plans to launch an attack on Iran scheduled for Tuesday. The crucial decision was made after leaders from three major Middle Eastern powers urged him to refrain from carrying out the military action.

According to CNBC International, Trump delivered the announcement through a post on his social media platform, Truth Social. He stated that he had directly instructed top US military officials to cancel the aggressive air operation following diplomatic requests from close American allies in the Middle East.

Trump explained that the decision was made out of respect for appeals from Arab leaders, namely Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS), and United Arab Emirates President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

“I have informed US military leaders that we will NOT proceed with the scheduled attack on Iran tomorrow due to requests from Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,” Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social, quoted Tuesday (May 19, 2026).

Before the post appeared, there had been no clear indication that the United States was preparing to strike Iran on Tuesday, an action that could have shattered the fragile ceasefire agreement between the two nations. However, in a separate interview with the New York Post on Monday morning, Trump hinted at looming action by claiming Tehran already knew what was about to happen, although he declined to provide further details.

Trump had previously considered continuing active military operations after Iran’s latest response during peace negotiations was viewed as unsatisfactory. Speaking at an event at the White House on Monday afternoon, the president confirmed that the US military had already been placed on combat readiness to strike Iran.

Trump revealed that the postponement was temporary while awaiting developments in ongoing negotiations.

“We were preparing for a very massive strike tomorrow. I postponed it for now, hopefully maybe forever, but most likely temporarily because we are having major discussions with Iran, and we will see what happens,” Donald Trump said at the White House.

He also stressed that the delay in military operations would only last for a very short period. Trump emphasized that Tehran must meet key conditions to fully prevent further escalation.

“Many countries asked me to delay a massive strike against Iran for two or three days because they believe they are very close to reaching an agreement,” Trump explained.

“If Iran agrees to a deal where they do not obtain nuclear weapons, we will probably also be satisfied,” he added.

In his Monday social media post, Trump claimed the three regional leaders requested the delay because they saw signs of progress in the ongoing negotiations. According to the Arab leaders, the eventual peace agreement would benefit all parties involved in the geopolitical conflict.

Trump also expressed optimism regarding the draft agreement currently being negotiated.

“Serious negotiations are now underway, and in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, an Agreement will be reached that will be highly acceptable to the United States, all Middle Eastern countries, and the surrounding region. Most importantly, this agreement will ensure NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!” Trump wrote.

Despite canceling the strike planned for Tuesday, the US president still ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Dan Caine to remain on full alert. Trump instructed US forces to be ready to launch a full-scale attack immediately if the peace agreement draft ultimately collapsed.

Amid escalating tensions in Washington, Hegseth reportedly traveled to Kentucky on Monday to attend a political event alongside a Republican congressional candidate challenging Thomas Massie, whom Trump wants removed from Congress. Meanwhile, in the conflict zone, the United States and Iran remain trapped in a military and economic standoff centered around the Strait of Hormuz, the vital global oil shipping route that has been heavily blockaded during the war, preventing most vessels from passing through.

The struggle for control over the strategic strait has further weakened the already fragile ceasefire. Although the truce that began nearly six weeks ago technically remains in effect, clashes on the ground have repeatedly violated the agreement. Last week, Trump even remarked sarcastically that the ceasefire was currently in critical condition.