Trump Delays Planned Attack on Iran After Gulf Allies Request

President Trump announced Monday that he had called off a planned U.S. military attack on Iran set for Tuesday after several Gulf allies asked him to pause the operation. The president said serious negotiations are now taking place and that a deal acceptable to the United States and other countries in the region could be reached.

He added that U.S. forces remain prepared to launch a full-scale assault on a moment's notice if an agreement is not reached.

Iranian officials said they had conveyed an amended set of terms for a potential peace deal. They stated that the United States requested the ceasefire and that Iran never asked for negotiations. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs said U.S. representatives have not yet provided an official response to the latest Iranian proposal.

For a peace deal to materialize, Iranian officials listed several conditions including an end to fighting on all fronts, withdrawal of U.S. forces from the region, lifting of the maritime blockade, removal of sanctions, and release of Iran's assets.

The announcement comes on day 81 of the conflict involving Iran. Israel has warned additional residents in southern Lebanon to evacuate ahead of possible strikes. Lebanon's health ministry reported that 3,020 people have been killed and 9,273 wounded in Israeli attacks since early March.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said he is ready to do the impossible to stop the war between Israel and Hezbollah. A U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon was extended for 45 days last week, though Hezbollah has rejected the truce and has continued attacks on Israeli forces.

“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.”

Oil prices fell more than 2 percent following the announcement that the planned strike had been postponed.