Nicolai Haugsted
The president is keeping an attack on hold, while Iran still refuse to change demands.
Diplomats across the Middle East spent Monday trying to decode whether Donald Trump had just stepped back from another military escalation — or merely paused long enough to reload.
Accotding to Reuters, fresh statements from Washington and Tehran suggest negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program may suddenly be moving again after weeks of war, threats and rising fears surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump claims attack was paused
President Donald Trump announced that a planned American strike against Iran had been suspended after Tehran submitted what he described as a new peace proposal through diplomatic backchannels.
According to Trump, the US military had been prepared for a major operation before the decision was halted.
“We will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow,” Trump wrote in a post before warning American forces remained ready for immediate action should talks collapse.
No previously announced strike had been publicly confirmed by Washington, and American officials have not detailed what type of military operation was allegedly under consideration.
Nuclear deal suddenly back on the table
Despite months of escalating rhetoric, Trump later told reporters there now appeared to be a realistic possibility of reaching an agreement with Tehran over its nuclear activities.
“There seems to be a very good chance that they can work something out. If we can do that without bombing the hell out of them, I would be very happy,” Donald Trump said while speaking to reporters.
Behind the scenes, Gulf states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates reportedly urged Washington to avoid another military escalation while negotiations continue.
Pressure has intensified globally due to the ongoing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian actions have sharply affected oil shipments and energy markets worldwide.
Iran remains defiant
Public messaging from Tehran remained far from conciliatory despite renewed diplomatic movement.
Iranian military officials warned that any new American attack would trigger an immediate and forceful response.
State-linked media outlets also repeated claims that Iranian forces are now stronger and more prepared than earlier in the conflict.
Meanwhile, negotiations reportedly continue through Pakistani intermediaries, with Islamabad again acting as a communication channel between the two sides.
Reports suggest softer US position
Multiple reports from Iranian media claimed Washington may have softened parts of its previous negotiating stance.
According to Iranian sources, the United States has allegedly discussed releasing part of Iran’s frozen overseas assets and allowing limited civilian nuclear activity under international supervision.
American officials have not publicly confirmed those reports.
Sanctions connected to Iranian oil exports and maritime trade reportedly remain central sticking points in the negotiations.
Fragile ceasefire still holding
Fighting between Iran, Israel and American forces has slowed considerably since the ceasefire established after six weeks of conflict earlier this year.
Drone activity and regional tensions nevertheless continue across several Gulf states, including recent incidents involving Iraqi airspace and Saudi Arabia.
Diplomatic sources involved in the negotiations reportedly warned that time for reaching a broader agreement may be running short as both sides continue adjusting demands throughout the talks.
