Iran war live: Trump says Iran attack postponed at request of Gulf allies

US President Donald Trump has warned Iran that time is running out for a peace deal with Washington. This comes as peace talks between the two nations remain deadlocked. Simultaneously, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three drones. In a separate incident, the UAE reported a drone strike near its Barakah nuclear power plant, which resulted in a fire. The article does not specify the exact date of these events beyond the publication date of May 18, 2026, nor does it explicitly state the "why" behind the drone attacks.

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.

Regional officials report Iran has presented a new proposal aimed at ending the Middle East war, though no immediate breakthrough is evident in stalled peace talks. A ceasefire has paused most violence following six weeks of US-Israeli airstrikes and Iranian retaliation. Pakistan, acting as a mediator, has shared the proposal with the US, but a Pakistani source expressed pessimism about agreement due to shifting demands. Other officials suggest Iran has offered concessions, including suspending its nuclear program and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Despite these developments, rhetoric remains defiant, with Iran threatening internet cable permits and the US reportedly considering military action. Both sides face pressure to end the conflict amid economic crises and domestic concerns.

United States President Donald Trump announced that a planned attack on Iran has been postponed at the request of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Trump stated that "serious negotiations are now taking place." Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian commented that "dialogue does not mean surrender" and that Tehran entered negotiations with "dignity, authority, and the preservation of the nation’s rights." Al Jazeera's correspondent in Tehran reported that Iranian leaders are "projecting defiance" and rejecting "public pressure" from the US.

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.

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.

During a visit to China on May 15, 2026, US President Donald Trump discussed the Strait of Hormuz with Chinese President Xi Jinping. China's leader affirmed the waterway's importance for energy flow, agreeing it "must remain open." This discussion occurred amidst ongoing conflict between Iran and the US-Israel coalition. Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, appealed to BRICS nations to condemn the conflict as a violation of international law, stating Iran would not yield to pressure and that no military solution exists for disputes with Tehran. The US-Israel war on Iran and the potential blockade of the Strait of Hormuz are central to the ongoing tensions.

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.

Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, is set to advocate for Tehran's stance against the US at the Brics foreign ministers' meeting in New Delhi. India, holding the Brics chairmanship, is hosting the gathering of the expanded bloc, which now includes Iran and the UAE. The meeting, taking place on Thursday, will also see Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in attendance. Discussions are expected to focus on critical issues such as Gulf shipping routes and the Strait of Hormuz. The presence of Iran, a nation in conflict with the US and Israel, presents a diplomatic challenge for India as it navigates its relationships within the bloc.

Iran's First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref asserted Iran's established right to the Strait of Hormuz amidst ongoing US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office claimed he made a "secret" and "historic" visit to the United Arab Emirates, a claim the UAE's Foreign Ministry has denied. Iran's foreign minister stated that Netanyahu's alleged visit was already known to Iranian security services and warned that any "collusion" with Israel would be "unforgivable" and lead to accountability. The article, published on May 14, 2026, highlights Iran's strong stance on its territorial rights and its condemnation of perceived alliances against it.

Iran and the United States remain at an impasse regarding the end of their conflict, with a fragile ceasefire showing signs of collapse. Recent exchanges of fire, targeting of ships, and renewed fighting between Israel and Hezbollah threaten to escalate the situation back into open warfare and prolong the global energy crisis. U.S. President Trump plans to leverage his upcoming trip to China to urge President Xi Jinping to pressure Iran into concessions. The core disagreement centers on Iran's demand for the lifting of U.S. sanctions and port blockades before negotiating its enriched uranium stockpile, which the U.S. and Israel view as a proliferation risk. Iran maintains its nuclear program is peaceful, while the U.S. considers Iran's response to its latest proposal "unacceptable."

President Trump stated that the ceasefire with Iran is "on massive life support" after dismissing Iran's peace proposals as "stupid." He is considering reinstating US Navy military escorts for ships through the Strait of Hormuz to counter Iran's blockade of the vital waterway. This comes after Iran sent counter-proposals to US conditions for easing conflict, which Trump rejected. The US had previously called off a plan for military escorts to allow Iran time to respond. Iran has indicated no further talks will occur unless its terms are accepted, while its foreign ministry spokesperson described their proposals as "reasonable."

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.

President Trump stated that a 20-year suspension of Iran's nuclear program would be sufficient, provided it is a "real" commitment. Speaking after talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Trump emphasized that Iran must not possess nuclear weapons and must reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This marks the first time Trump himself has publicly mentioned a 20-year timeframe, though US media previously reported Vice President Vance insisting on this duration during talks. Trump previously withdrew the US from the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, citing opposition to "sunset clauses" that allowed restrictions to expire. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has advocated for Iran's enriched uranium stockpile to be removed entirely.

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.

President Donald Trump has escalated his criticism of European allies, threatening to withdraw U.S. troops from Italy and Spain. This comes after Germany's Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that the U.S. was being "humiliated" by Iran. Trump has also expressed dissatisfaction with NATO allies for not contributing naval forces to secure the Strait of Hormuz. Separately, a U.S. Senator questioned the Secretary of Defense regarding the accuracy of war assessments on Iran. In unrelated news, footage was released showing an individual attempting to breach security at a White House dinner event.

On day 60 of the Iran war, diplomacy is gaining momentum as the US reviews an Iranian peace proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. This plan coincides with potential delays to nuclear talks. Iran's Foreign Minister met with Russian President Putin, indicating Tehran is considering resuming negotiations amidst ongoing tensions. Dozens of nations have urged the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil transit route. Iran asserts its armed forces would control the Strait under a proposed law and blames the US for stalled talks, condemning the capture of two Iranian-linked oil tankers as "high seas robbery." Critics question the Iran nuclear expertise of Trump's negotiating team, despite their access to the President.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with UN General Assembly President Annalena Baerbock in Beijing on Wednesday, urging global unity to safeguard international justice against powers prioritizing "might over right." Wang criticized unnamed countries for challenging the UN's role and promoting the "law of the jungle." The meeting occurred amidst the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran and a global energy crisis caused by blockades of the Strait of Hormuz. Wang reaffirmed China's commitment to the UN-centered international system and pledged support for Baerbock's efforts to unite member states around sovereign equality.

Ukraine is monitoring unusual activity along its border with Belarus, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warning Minsk against involvement in Russia's ongoing invasion. Kyiv has imposed sanctions on Belarus and is prepared to respond to any aggressive actions. Zelenskyy reported that Russia has used apartment blocks in Belarus to launch attacks and circumvent Ukrainian defenses. He also detailed recent "brutal attacks" on Kherson, with drones targeting civilian transport and causing casualties, as well as strikes in other Ukrainian cities and on energy infrastructure. While Russian forces crossed into Ukraine from Belarus at the start of the invasion, Belarus has not directly participated in the fighting.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated on Monday that the United States is being "humiliated" in its conflict with Iran, warning of a potential quagmire similar to Iraq and Afghanistan. Speaking to students in Marsberg, Merz argued that Iran is demonstrating superior negotiation skills and appears "clearly stronger than one thought." He expressed concern that the US lacks a clear exit strategy from the war, which he believes is impacting Germany's economy. Merz also indicated Germany's readiness to deploy minesweepers to secure the Strait of Hormuz, contingent on a ceasefire. The comments highlight growing European concerns about the conflict's economic and energy ramifications.

Russia's political support for Iran and its stance against military escalation are more significant than military aid in the current conflict involving Iran, the US, and Israel. This position, solidified by a 2025 treaty, prioritizes peace over short-term gains like rising oil prices, which Russia recognizes as insufficient for economic restructuring amid Western sanctions. Moscow's strategic focus is on conflict resolution and mitigating negative consequences such as humanitarian crises, global economic slowdowns, and financial instability. Iran views Russia's stance as beneficial, having successfully withstood attacks and secured a favorable diplomatic position with limited international support for the US and Israel. European allies have shown reluctance to engage militarily, perceiving little benefit in the conflict.