Report: UAE Pressured Trump to Strike, Saudi Arabia Pushed to Prevent Escalation

President Trump refrained from launching a new attack on Iran after mediators reported progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Gulf states, including the UAE, pressured him to strike, while Saudi Arabia pushed to prevent an escalation. Qatari mediators presented Iran with a new proposal that received a positive response.

President Donald Trump refrained from carrying out a new attack against Iran, after mediators reported new progress on a plan to reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, several Gulf states pressured him to advance dialogue with Tehran, according to sources familiar with the matter. Trump's surprise announcement on social media, published early Sunday morning Middle East time, in which he canceled the strikes, eased tensions between the United States and Iran—at least for now. The move is the latest in a series of reversals by the president, who in recent weeks has swung between harsh threats toward Tehran and reassuring statements that a peace deal is within reach. Regional mediators are working to advance a new ceasefire between the United States and Iran. Qatari mediators presented Iran on Saturday with a new proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. According to the mediators, Iranian diplomats responded positively to the proposal, raising hope that the parties are close to a compromise.