U.S. Postpones further strikes against Iran following regional appeals

Trump stated that the United States maintains a strong military presence in the region, including a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, but does not anticipate the need to use it. He attributed his decision to the influence of countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait, who prefer the U.S. avoid further attacks.

The meeting with Al-Thani followed the prime minister’s recent visit to Tehran. Al-Thani described his discussions with Trump and Vice-President JD Vance as “positive,” expressing hope for a resolution and regional peace on X.

More than eight months have passed since Trump initiated the conflict alongside Israel on February 28. Despite ongoing mutual attacks – including a recent U.S. strike on Qeshm island and Iranian attacks on tankers in the Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, as well as strikes by Yemeni Houthi allies on Saudi Arabia – a significant diplomatic breakthrough remains elusive.

Iran has proposed a plan to end the conflict, which includes an end to the U.S. blockade of its ports, the lifting of some sanctions, and a halt to bombing in exchange for Tehran ending its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has dismissed this proposal as unrealistic.

Despite domestic political pressure following last week’s midterm elections, Rubio and a senior United Arab Emirates official, Anwar Gargash, expressed skepticism about an imminent resolution. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan also conveyed to Trump his desire to avoid further escalation.

Sunday night’s U.S. strikes on Qeshm island reportedly targeted Iranian radar systems, missile launcher bases, and mine-laying systems, according to an Iranian source. Attacks on tankers have significantly increased in October, with Iranian state media reporting one tanker hit a mine east of the Strait of Hormuz and a state television reporter claiming 11 tankers have been “disabled” in the last 10 days.