Trump says Gulf leaders' input weighed heavily in decision to hold off on ordering new Iran strikes
President Trump stated that he delayed military strikes against Iran following direct requests from Gulf allies, including Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The administration is currently pursuing a diplomatic path to resolve the conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Why it matters
This decision marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, prioritizing regional diplomatic consensus over immediate military escalation.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday (August 2, 2026) 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 the United Arab Emirates.
The President added that a plan was in place for U.S. forces to carry out "the biggest attack since World War II" on Sunday (August 2, 2026). 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.
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