Former US President Donald Trump announced that a proposed large-scale military strike on Iran has been postponed for the time being, citing appeals from Gulf leaders to allow diplomatic engagement to continue. Trump said leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates urged him to halt military action and provide an opportunity for talks.
Trump stated on his social media platform Truth Social that high-level discussions between the United States and Iran are ongoing and that a possible agreement acceptable to the United States and other countries in West Asia is being pursued. He warned, however, that if negotiations fail, the US military remains prepared for a large-scale military operation at any time.
Speaking to media at the White House, Trump said the United States’ primary condition is that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons under any circumstances. He added that a proposed agreement would require Iran to regulate its nuclear programme and comply with international security standards. Trump also said he instructed US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Kane and military officials that the strike proposed for Tuesday would not proceed for now.
Western media reports have meanwhile claimed that the United States and Israel continue preparations for possible military action. According to the reports, multiple cargo aircraft carrying weapons and military equipment from US military bases in Germany have arrived in Israel. The reports further said discussions on possible strategy have taken place between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump. Experts cited in the source said the United States currently appears to be prioritising a diplomatic solution while retaining military options.
Rising tensions between Iran and the United States have also affected the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil and gas transit route. Reports cited in the source said approximately 1,500 commercial vessels carrying more than 20,000 sailors are stranded in the region, while security experts have warned of potential missile and drone attacks. Amid the tensions, Iran announced the creation of a new authority, the Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), to regulate vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz.
Iranian officials said all vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz will now be required to obtain Iranian permission and disclose cargo details, crew information and route plans before entry. Ebrahim Azizi, head of the Iranian Parliament’s National Security and Foreign Policy Committee, said the arrangement had been introduced to strengthen national sovereignty and maritime security. He further stated that only countries and vessels cooperating with Iran would benefit from access to the maritime route. Analysts cited in the source said the move could directly affect global oil supply and energy prices.
In response to rising tensions and concerns over supply disruptions in West Asia, Australia purchased additional jet fuel, according to a Reuters report cited in the source. Australia reportedly bought more than 600,000 barrels of jet fuel in three shipments, equivalent to nearly 100 million litres. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the decision was taken to strengthen the country’s energy security and prepare for a potential global crisis. Australia also secured additional supplies of agricultural-grade urea from Brunei.
Saudi Arabia claimed that its air defence systems intercepted and destroyed three drones approaching from the direction of Iraq. Kuwait and Qatar condemned the incident, describing it as an attack on Saudi sovereignty and regional security. Experts cited in the source said a rise in such incidents could deepen instability across the Gulf region.
Following Trump’s announcement to postpone the strike, Iran issued a response through a social media post by its mission in Hyderabad, stating that Iranian forces had been prepared for retaliation “unlike anything seen before.” The post further suggested that if no strike occurred, it would be regarded as a strategic victory for Iran.
In southern Lebanon’s Tyre district, Israeli fighter aircraft carried out an airstrike on a building, according to local media reports cited in the source. The strike reportedly occurred around an hour after a warning was issued to evacuate the area. No casualties had been confirmed at the time of reporting. The incident was described in the source as occurring amid heightened regional military tensions.
In Tehran, hundreds of newly married couples organised a car rally in support of the military and government at Azadi Square. Participants demonstrated national unity and support for the armed forces, while videos of the rally circulated widely on social media, according to the source.
