Trump Says Gulf Leaders Persuaded Him To Hold Off On Iran Strikes

What happened

According to Lebanon-based Naharnet, U.S. President Donald Trump said he decided against ordering American forces to strike Iran after Gulf allies including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged diplomacy instead. Trump reported a plan was in place for a major strike but was scrapped following these discussions and at the request of unnamed Iranian officials.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Trump recounted a conversation with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who expressed a preference for diplomatic talks over military action to avoid unpredictable escalation. The U.S. leader indicated a tentative deal aimed at ending the five-month war is taking shape, which reportedly includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz and addressing Iran's nuclear program. However, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson contradicted this by saying the strait 'will in no way return to the status it was before February 28th,' with no current talks on reopening.

A regional official involved in mediation efforts told Naharnet that the proposal envisions both sides returning to talks, ending attacks by Iranian-backed militias, and lifting the U.S. naval blockade to permit Iranian oil exports. The official emphasized no deal has yet been finalized and spoke anonymously. Trump also claimed Israel is committed to the ceasefire agreement reached in June, though Israel has not publicly confirmed this.

Known from the source

• Trump stated he decided to delay strikes on Iran after conversations with Gulf allies.
• Trump mentioned a planned large-scale U.S. attack on Iran was scrapped.
• Gulf leaders reportedly prefer diplomacy over military action.
• Iran’s Foreign Ministry said the Strait of Hormuz will not return to pre-war conditions and there are no current reopening talks.
• An anonymous regional official described a mediation proposal involving ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

What remains unclear

Saudi Arabia reportedly remains concerned about the possibility of Iranian retaliation if the U.S. escalates strikes. The Crown Prince sought assurance and clarity from Trump during a phone call about the risks and implications of military escalation on the Gulf region and the global economy. This context illustrates the delicate balancing act Gulf states are undertaking to manage conflict risks with Iran.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Whether the ceasefire deal and negotiations described are currently active and agreed on by all parties. Official confirmation from Israel on participating in the ceasefire agreement. Iranian government’s official stance beyond the Foreign Ministry spokesperson remarks, especially regarding the strait and the talks.

Evidence note

This story contains report-led claims. The article keeps those claims attributed and treats them as unconfirmed/hearsay unless independently corroborated.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.