President Trump delays Iran strikes to seek rapid diplomatic deal following Saudi Arabia's request for de-escalation
President Trump has announced a delay in new military strikes against Iran, opting to hold off on aggressive action provided a deal to end the conflict can be reached quickly. This reversal follows a call from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who urged the president to de-escalate and expressed concerns that massive US strikes on Iranian infrastructure could lead to retaliatory attacks on the Gulf region. While the administration announced that Iran is still expected to pay for its behavior, the president expressed frustration with Tehran's unwillingness to bend to his demands. Regional allies, including Saudi Arabia and Israel, have provided conflicting perspectives; while Saudi Arabia seeks a diplomatic exit, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu voiced skepticism regarding the success of a diplomatic deal. Despite the president's desire for a quick resolution, officials note that Iran's revolutionary guards remain in control of decision-making, making a direct agreement difficult. The administration remains prepared to launch heavy bombardment if diplomacy fails to be finalized.