US President Donald Trump has said that the United States decided not to launch what he described as the “biggest attack since World War II” against Iran, choosing instead to give diplomacy more time.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the planned military operation was put on hold following appeals from regional leaders, including Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as well as officials from Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He also said that Iranian officials had made requests for negotiations.
Trump said the United States had been prepared to carry out the large-scale military operation but decided to pause the action as discussions about Iran’s nuclear programme and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz gained momentum.
The US president said he preferred a diplomatic solution over further military conflict and expressed hope that negotiations could lead to progress on Iran’s nuclear ambitions and help reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Trump also said regional allies had urged Washington to focus on negotiations, warning that a major military strike could lead to wider instability across the Middle East. He said talks would move forward as efforts continued to find a diplomatic solution to the ongoing tensions with Iran.
