Trump says he's pausing plan to attack Iran
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President Trump said Monday that he'd planned to strike Iran "tomorrow" but was holding off to give negotiations another chance. He claimed he made the decision at the request of several Arab leaders.
Why it matters: The White House saw an updated peace proposal Iran sent on Sunday as insufficient, leading to a growing expectation —including inside the White House — that Trump was about to strike.
- Trump has extended deadlines and postponed planned attacks on Iran at least half a dozen times since the war began.
Driving the news: Trump was expected to convene his top national security team in the Situation Room on Tuesday to discuss military options, two U.S. officials told Axios.
- A senior U.S. official told Axios on Monday morning that if Iran didn't shift its position, the U.S. would have to continue the negotiations "through bombs."
What he's saying: "I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia and the President of the United Arab Emirates to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
- He added that the Arab leaders told him "serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond."
- Trump claimed the deal will make sure that Iran doesn't have nuclear weapons.
- He has made repeated claims about progress toward a deal since the war began, but there have been no recent breakthroughs.
Behind the scenes: In the 24 hours before his announcement, Trump spoke on the phone with the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, two sources with knowledge said. But it's not clear whether all three leaders urged him to delay the strikes.
What to watch: The President said he had instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to suspend the attack plans but to be prepared to go forward "with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment's notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached."
