Qatar, Saudi Pressure Reportedly Led Trump to Halt Iran Strike

WASHINGTON, Aug 2: US President Donald Trump halted a planned large-scale attack on Iran one day before it was scheduled after pressure from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, Israel’s Channel 12 reported, citing senior US officials.

According to the report, US Central Command (CENTCOM) had prepared strikes targeting Iranian energy and infrastructure facilities, with Israel expected to take part in the operation.

A senior US official said Israel had informed Washington that the attack would only be worthwhile if it caused severe damage to Iran’s economic infrastructure and government targets.

The report said Qatar requested an additional 24 hours from Trump to allow more time for negotiations, while Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman warned that further escalation could trigger a wider regional conflict and threaten oil facilities in Gulf countries.

The report also said negotiations over a proposed agreement concerning the Strait of Hormuz are close to completion. The possible deal reportedly includes renewing the ceasefire, keeping the strait open without transit fees for 60 days, establishing alternative shipping routes, and resuming US-Iran talks based on a memorandum of understanding.

The developments come amid continued tensions between Washington and Tehran, with regional powers pushing for diplomatic efforts to avoid further military escalation.