Trump cites Gulf leaders' advice in decision to pause Iran strikes

Washington: US President Donald Trump has said that advice from Gulf leaders played a significant role in his decision to hold off on ordering fresh military strikes against Iran. The remarks come amid rising tensions in the region and just days after the US conducted multiple rounds of strikes on Iranian targets.

Gulf leaders' counsel

Speaking to reporters, Trump said the input from Gulf leaders was "weighed heavily" in the decision-making process. He did not specify which leaders or countries were involved, but the reference points to the Gulf Cooperation Council states, many of which host US military bases.

The President's comments suggest a shift in approach, with Washington appearing to prioritise diplomatic channels over immediate military action. However, officials have not yet confirmed whether the pause is temporary or part of a broader strategy.

Negotiations through intermediaries

Trump also announced that new negotiations with Iran are expected to take place through intermediaries, beginning Monday. He did not name the intermediaries or the venue, but indicated that the talks would address both the nuclear issue and regional security concerns.

This is not the first time the US has signalled a willingness to talk. Earlier attempts at dialogue have stalled, with both sides trading accusations over compliance with the 2015 nuclear deal, from which the US withdrew in 2018.

Mixed signals on strikes

While Trump has repeatedly announced pauses in strikes, reports from the region suggest that attacks have continued in some form. This has led to confusion over the actual status of US military operations in Iran.

Analysts say the repeated announcements of pauses may reflect internal divisions within the administration, or an attempt to keep Tehran off balance. But they also warn that continued strikes could undermine the credibility of any negotiated settlement.

Regional reactions

Gulf states have largely remained cautious in their public statements, but many are known to be concerned about the spillover effects of a full-blown US-Iran conflict. Their leaders have privately urged Washington to exercise restraint, fearing that a wider war could disrupt oil exports and destabilise the region.

Iran, for its part, has not yet responded publicly to Trump's latest remarks. State media have been downplaying the significance of the US announcements, framing them as a sign of American exhaustion.

What to watch

The coming days will reveal whether the promised negotiations actually take place and whether the pause in strikes holds. Much depends on whether Tehran is willing to engage seriously and whether the Gulf states can help bridge the trust deficit between the two sides.