Diplomatic Outreach Intensifies as Negotiations Gain Momentum
WASHINGTON: Leaders from several Gulf and South Asian countries reportedly urged US President Donald Trump to cancel planned military strikes against Iran after he publicly signaled a potential attack, according to a report published on Friday.
The report stated that Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and Pakistan’s military chief Field Marshal Asim Munir contacted Trump and encouraged him to allow diplomacy additional time. According to sources cited in the report, the leaders informed Washington that a preliminary understanding between the United States and Iran was within reach and could pave the way for broader negotiations.
A Trump administration official reportedly said these countries maintain significant influence with Tehran and Iran’s leadership. The official added that assurances from regional partners contributed to Trump’s decision to reconsider military action.
Trump Announces Cancellation of Planned Military Action
On Thursday, Trump announced on Truth Social that he had canceled scheduled strikes against Iran after receiving indications that discussions had reached the highest levels of Iranian leadership.
The US president stated that key concepts and details had been approved by parties involved in the talks. However, conflicting signals soon emerged from Tehran. Iran’s semi-official media outlets reported that no final agreement had yet been reached, while Iranian officials emphasized that negotiations were still ongoing.
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei reportedly said substantial portions of the negotiating framework had been completed but stressed that Iran would not compromise on its core positions.
Questions Remain Over Final Agreement
Meanwhile, Trump declared during a virtual political event that the conflict with Iran had effectively ended and claimed Tehran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons.
Despite those remarks, several diplomats expressed skepticism regarding the status of negotiations. Some regional officials indicated that they would wait for formal confirmation before concluding that a breakthrough had been achieved.
Separately, Israeli officials reportedly stated that Israel does not consider a final agreement to have been reached. The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nevertheless welcomed Trump’s commitment to pursuing a ceasefire framework that would address Iran’s nuclear programme, missile capabilities and support for regional proxy groups.
As diplomatic efforts continue, uncertainty remains over whether ongoing talks will result in a comprehensive and lasting agreement.
