Trump planned ‘biggest attack since World War II’ before halting Iran strikes
President Donald Trump stated he halted a planned major military strike against Iran after consulting with Gulf allies who preferred a diplomatic resolution. The potential deal aims to address nuclear concerns and reopen the critical Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
The decision to pivot from military action to diplomacy marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy regarding the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that he decided to hold off on ordering American forces to carry out new strikes against Iran at the urging of Gulf allies Qatar, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.
Mr Trump said a plan was in place for US forces to carry out "the biggest attack since World War II" on Sunday, but he decided to scrap the plan and give diplomacy more time to play out after hearing from key Gulf leaders - including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman - as well as at the request of unnamed Iranian officials.
"I said to the crown prince, 'What would you rather do? Would you rather us do this or not?'" Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he flew back to Washington after spending the weekend at his golf club in Bedminster, New Jersey.
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