Trump says he called off new Iran attack at request of Gulf states

US President Donald Trump announced he has halted a planned US military attack on Iran, originally scheduled for Tuesday. He stated this decision was made at the request of leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, who indicated that serious negotiations are underway and a deal acceptable to the US, ensuring Iran will not possess nuclear weapons, is anticipated. Trump cautioned that the US military remains prepared for a large-scale assault if negotiations fail. This development follows a period of stalled talks and intermittent exchanges of fire between Iran and US/Israeli forces, despite a ceasefire agreement in April aimed at facilitating discussions. Iran has not yet publicly responded to Trump's statement.

On day 80 of the conflict, US President Donald Trump warned Iran that "the clock is ticking" to reach a deal, suggesting potential air strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure. Iran's Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated the military is "fully prepared" to confront any new aggression from the US and Israel. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones, following a drone strike on the UAE's Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. Meanwhile, Israel has continued its bombardment of Lebanon despite a ceasefire extension. A member of Iran's Expediency Council warned the US to lift its port blockade, reiterating Iran's readiness for further confrontation. Russia's envoy suggested Iran appoint a special envoy to Moscow, while a French political figure condemned European complicity in the strikes.

President Trump has expressed impatience with stalled peace talks with Iran, warning on social media that "the Clock is Ticking" and that "there won’t be anything left" of the country if an agreement is not reached. This comes as the United Arab Emirates blamed Iran or its proxies for a drone attack near its nuclear power plant, calling it a "dangerous escalation." In domestic politics, Trump publicly criticized Republican Congressman Thomas Massie, who has consistently opposed him, ahead of Massie's primary election. Meanwhile, a union has raised safety concerns about workers rushing to renovate the reflecting pool on the National Mall for upcoming anniversary celebrations. The article also touches on an ICE arrest of a US citizen that was filmed and posted online.

The United Arab Emirates has blamed Iran or its proxies for a drone strike that caused a fire near the Barakah nuclear power plant. The UAE described the incident as a "dangerous escalation," occurring during a tense ceasefire in the Iran war with stalled peace talks. The drone targeted an electrical generator outside the plant's perimeter, causing no injuries or radiation alerts. The UAE's foreign minister informed the International Atomic Energy Agency and stated the country reserves the right to respond. The UAE's defense ministry reported three drones entered from the western border, and investigations are ongoing to determine the source.

The United Arab Emirates reported a drone strike on Sunday that ignited a fire near the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in Abu Dhabi. The UAE's defense ministry stated that three drones entered from the west, with two being intercepted and one striking an electrical generator outside the plant's inner perimeter. Authorities are investigating the source of the strike, which the UAE's foreign ministry condemned as an "unacceptable act of aggression" and a "dangerous escalation" violating international law. No injuries were reported, and radiological safety levels remained unaffected. The UAE has previously accused Iran of similar attacks on its infrastructure.

An analyst suggests Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's announcement of a "secret visit" with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has strained the U.S.-brokered alliance designed to counter Iran. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied any undisclosed arrangements, stating their relations with Israel are public under the Abraham Accords. This friction arises as tensions with Iran escalate, with the UAE having recently intercepted drones. Analyst Natan Sachs called Netanyahu's announcement a "diplomatic blunder" that embarrassed the UAE and potentially damaged trust, suggesting it may have been motivated by domestic politics. The Abraham Accords, established in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, fostering security cooperation against Iran.

On day 72 of the conflict, Iran has not yet responded to a US proposal aimed at ending the war, despite expectations from President Trump. Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing at least 24 people across more than 10 towns. The IRGC threatened to target US sites and ships if its tankers are attacked, and warned countries enforcing US sanctions about difficulties in the Strait of Hormuz. Pakistan's military chief reiterated Islamabad's commitment to mediating between the US and Iran, with Qatari officials also engaging in discussions with US representatives regarding regional security and de-escalation efforts. Russia has offered to oversee the transfer and storage of Iran's enriched uranium.

Iran has announced it has responded to a US peace proposal, delivered via Pakistani mediators, concerning a potential framework for talks on its nuclear program and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. This development occurs as a month-old ceasefire shows signs of strain, with drone incursions reported in the airspace of the UAE and Kuwait, and a drone attack causing a fire on a ship off Qatar's coast. Another drone strike targeted a rebel group camp in Iraq. These incidents highlight ongoing tensions in the region, particularly regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz, despite efforts to de-escalate. The US had previously proposed a memorandum of understanding to address these issues, which was a response to an earlier Iranian proposal.

The United States is awaiting Iran's response to proposals aimed at ending over two months of conflict and initiating peace talks. While the US expected a reply within hours on Friday, no movement from Tehran has been observed. The proposals reportedly seek to formally end the current fighting before addressing more complex issues like Iran's nuclear program. Relative calm has been reported around the Strait of Hormuz following recent sporadic incidents. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with the Qatari Prime Minister to discuss regional stability, though Iran was not explicitly mentioned in the subsequent statement.

On day 78 of the war, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the US, under President Trump, has signaled openness to new negotiations regarding Iran's nuclear program, though a deadlock persists over enriched nuclear material. Trump also suggested a potential willingness to have Iran pause its civilian nuclear program for two decades if Tehran shows commitment to a broader agreement. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel agreed to extend a fragile ceasefire by 45 days, despite ongoing Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon that resulted in at least 12 deaths on Friday. Iran's capital has detailed significant damage and casualties from US-Israeli attacks, and Iran is permitting more ships through the Strait of Hormuz following the acceptance of new legal protocols by several countries.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secretly visited the United Arab Emirates during the recent Israeli-US war with Iran, according to his office. The visit, which aimed to further strengthen ties between the two nations, reportedly resulted in a "historic breakthrough." This development follows the recent public acknowledgment of Israel sending Iron Dome air-defense systems and personnel to the UAE. The UAE, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020, has faced Iranian attacks and is seeking to reassure investors. The secret visit underscores the deepening relationship between Israel and the UAE, which has been a point of contention for Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed a secret trip to the United Arab Emirates on March 26, during the height of the Iran war, to meet with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. This meeting, which lasted several hours in Al Ain, is described as a "historic breakthrough" in relations between the two nations. The visit underscores a deepening Middle East alliance, with reports also indicating Mossad director David Barnea made multiple visits to the UAE to coordinate military actions. Israel has shared its Iron Dome air defense system with the UAE, and the UAE is believed to have conducted its own strikes on Iran. This collaboration follows the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and the UAE, and highlights the UAE's independent foreign policy.

A ship was seized off the coast of the United Arab Emirates near the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday morning, according to the British military. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported the vessel was boarded by unauthorized personnel approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah. The ship, identified by the BBC as the Honduras-flagged Hui Chuan, was observed heading towards Iranian territorial waters after the incident. Citing a risk-management company, the BBC also reported that the ship's operators claimed it was functioning as a "floating armory" for vessels to defend against pirates. This seizure follows at least two other ship seizures in the Strait of Hormuz since February, including two by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in April.

A ship anchored off the east coast of the United Arab Emirates has been seized by unauthorized personnel and is reportedly heading towards Iranian territorial waters. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center confirmed the incident, which occurred approximately 38 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah. The seizure took place amid heightened regional tensions, including ongoing discussions between the U.S. and China regarding Iran, and a recent denial by the UAE of a reported secret visit by Israel's Prime Minister. The UKMTO is investigating the incident, and no group has yet claimed responsibility. The specific vessel involved has not been identified.

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee announced that Israel has deployed Iron Dome anti-missile batteries and operating personnel to the United Arab Emirates. This deployment is intended to defend the UAE during the ongoing Iran war. Huckabee made these remarks at an event in Tel Aviv, highlighting the strengthening defense ties between Israel and the UAE, both of whom are concerned about Iran. The UAE and Israel established diplomatic relations in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords. The deployment underscores regional security concerns amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US is awaiting Iran's response to proposals for an interim ceasefire deal, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This comes amid heightened tensions and clashes in the Strait of Hormuz, with the US military reporting firing on two Iranian-flagged tankers attempting to violate an American blockade. Iran, meanwhile, accuses the US of breaching the fragile ceasefire. Diplomatic efforts continue, with Pakistan relaying a US memorandum to Iran as a potential basis for a more solid agreement. Both nations are testing each other's resolve, with Iran highlighting its missile capabilities as a negotiation tactic while the US aims to restrict them.

A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations. This incident follows the UAE's report of engaging missiles and drones from Iran for a second consecutive day, an action Iran denies. The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil and gas transit route, has experienced significant disruption following a US and Israeli operation against Iran and Iran's subsequent blockade. A ceasefire was announced in early April, but transit remains limited, with both the US and Iran reporting confrontations in the strait. In light of these ongoing tensions, Donald Trump has announced that "Project Freedom," aimed at unblocking the strait, will be paused temporarily.

The United States and Iran remain distant from resolving their conflict following recent escalations of fighting in the Persian Gulf. Clashes have intensified around the Strait of Hormuz, with the United Arab Emirates experiencing renewed attacks. This comes despite a month-old ceasefire. A US intelligence assessment suggests Iran could endure a naval blockade for an extended period. Washington is awaiting Tehran's response to a US proposal aimed at formally ending the war, a prerequisite for discussions on more complex issues like Iran's nuclear program. The ongoing hostilities indicate no immediate de-escalation in the US-Iran tensions.

US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday a temporary pause of "Project Freedom," a US military operation to facilitate ship movement through the Strait of Hormuz. This decision, made at the request of Pakistan and other nations, is intended to allow for the finalization of a potential agreement with Iran. The pause comes amidst heightened tensions in the Gulf, following US military actions against Iranian boats and drone attacks on commercial vessels. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that US offensive operations have concluded but warned Iran must still face consequences for its actions in the strait. Iran has not yet commented on the announcement.

Iran has mocked Donald Trump's "Project Freedom," a plan to open the Strait of Hormuz, after it was abruptly suspended. The operation reportedly failed because Saudi Arabia denied the US military access to its bases and airspace. This decision may have stemmed from Riyadh not being consulted beforehand or following an Iranian attack on oil facilities in Fujairah, which highlighted a perceived lack of US protection for its allies. Despite Trump's claims of a peace deal opportunity, the plan's failure left commercial shipping largely unaffected. Iran is now reviewing a US proposal with 14 points, which it views as an American wishlist, while Iran's own 14-point plan was previously rejected by the US.

The Strait of Hormuz standoff, triggered by escalating tensions between the US and Iran, poses a significant risk of renewed conflict with global economic repercussions. Iran's actions, including threats to close the strait, have already led to shortages of oil, gas, helium, and fertilizer, impacting millions worldwide and potentially causing hunger in vulnerable nations. President Trump's complex and evolving strategy, including attempts to influence oil prices and military escorts through the strait, has left the US in a strategic bind due to Iran's resilience. Iran appears to be targeting the UAE among its Gulf neighbors, prompting the UAE to strengthen its alliances with the US and Israel, with Israel deploying an Iron Dome system and soldiers to the UAE.

Pakistani officials claim the US and Iran are nearing a temporary truce in the Middle East, with a basic interim deal potentially reached this weekend. Tehran is reportedly reviewing a US proposal, though past negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities have stalled. This potential agreement, which could lead to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, has boosted global stocks and lowered oil prices. Pakistan has been a key mediator in indirect talks between Washington and Tehran. Recent escalations, including Iranian missile launches and US military actions against an oil tanker, have occurred amidst these diplomatic efforts. President Trump has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement.

Gulf states, alongside the United States, are urging United Nations Security Council action to ensure safety and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. A draft resolution demands Iran halt attacks on shipping, disclose mine locations, and cease imposing illegal tolls. Diplomats from Qatar, Bahrain, and the UAE emphasized the critical importance of the strait for global energy security and economic stability. The resolution also calls for Iran to facilitate UN efforts to establish a humanitarian corridor for aid passage. This push comes amidst ongoing conflict between Iran and the US, which has severely disrupted traffic through the vital waterway and impacted regional energy exports.

President Trump announced a plan, dubbed "Project Freedom," to restore freedom of navigation for commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, involving US destroyers, aircraft, and personnel. The operation was set to begin on Monday, May 4th, and was described as a humanitarian gesture and a favor to the world. However, just hours after its announcement and initial reports of ships transiting, Trump paused the project. He stated the pause was a "mutual agreement" due to "great progress" in discussions with Iran, suggesting a potential deal was being reached. The initiative aimed to assist approximately 1,000 stranded vessels and 20,000 seafarers in the region.