President Donald Trump on Monday ordered the U.S. Armed Forces to “hold off” its planned attack against Iran – apparently scheduled for Tuesday – as he says “serious negotiations” could result in an acceptable peace deal with no nuclear weapons for the Islamic Republic.
Trump stated on Truth Social: “I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that 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 again stressed his main talking point, saying in capital letters: “This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!”
CENTCOM continues to strictly enforce the U.S. blockade against Iranian ports. U.S. forces have now redirected 85 commercial vessels to ensure full compliance. pic.twitter.com/zKZBdSJzVC
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) May 18, 2026
The president concluded: “Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Daniel Caine, and The United States Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them 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. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
On Sunday, Trump had warned: “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE!”
The president told the New York Post Monday that Iran knows “what’s going to be happening soon.”
Trump tells The Post Iran knows what’s ‘going to be happening soon’ after prez huddles with national security team https://t.co/8l1HlkkntD pic.twitter.com/hwHgPafIxN
— New York Post (@nypost) May 18, 2026
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