Trump Postpones Planned Strike on Iran Amid Calls for Diplomacy

Updated: 12:09 PM PKT — May 20, 2026

US President Donald Trump revealed the US was one hour away from a major attack before it was postponed, warning that Tehran has limited time to secure a deal. In response, Iran’s foreign minister stated that any new aggression would be met with a “surprising” and decisive response.

Updated: 9:30 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

The US president claimed the strike was averted only an hour before launch, prompting a warning from an Iranian commander of a decisive military response. Meanwhile, the U.S. Congress has narrowly passed a resolution to prevent the use of force without its approval, and Russia has offered to mediate between the two sides.

Updated: 8:40 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

President Trump stated he was one hour away from launching the attack before calling it off, claiming Tehran is now willing to negotiate. In response, Iranian military commanders warned that any new aggression from the US or its allies would be met with a decisive and powerful response, potentially opening new fronts. US Vice President Jerry Vance confirmed that while a diplomatic settlement is preferred, military options remain on the table if negotiations fail.

Updated: 7:37 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution 55-45 to limit the president’s war powers, with the bill now moving to the House of Representatives. President Trump claimed he was previously an hour away from striking and threatened an attack within days, prompting Iran’s foreign minister to warn of a “severe and stunning response” to any new aggression while also indicating a desire for a diplomatic deal.

Updated: 7:23 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

The US president revealed the strike was cancelled just one hour before launch, as Congress passed a resolution to limit his war powers against Iran. Separately, Iranian military commanders warned of a decisive and surprising response to any aggression, claiming to have strengthened their forces during the ceasefire and denying US allegations of a missile base located at a school in Minab.

Updated: 5:59 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

In a significant development, the US Senate has passed a resolution to end the blockade on Iran. This comes as President Trump revealed he was only an hour from launching the strike, and as Iranian military officials warned of a swift and decisive response to any attack, confirming they have strengthened their forces.

Updated: 5:15 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

The US Senate passed a resolution to end the Iran blockade as White House officials held emergency meetings to review military and diplomatic options. President Trump claimed he was just one hour from launching the strike and suggested Iran is now begging for a deal. Tehran, in turn, has warned it will deliver a decisive and “astonishing” response using new tactics if hostilities are initiated.

Updated: 4:27 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

The US president revealed he called off the military strike just an hour before it was scheduled, warning new attacks could occur within days. In response, Iran’s military has threatened to open new fronts with advanced weaponry and placed its air defense systems on high alert, while the US Congress has passed a resolution aimed at limiting the president’s authority to initiate a conflict.

Updated: 3:27 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

President Donald Trump has now warned a strike could happen within days, stating he was previously only one hour from authorizing an attack. An Iranian military spokesperson has vowed a powerful counter-attack with modern weaponry in response, while the US Vice President also affirmed readiness to attack if a deal is not reached. The US is urging international allies to target Iran’s financial networks as Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif claimed his country helped broker a ceasefire.

Updated: 2:48 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

President Trump has warned a new attack could be necessary within days, claiming he was only an hour from a previous strike and that a nuclear Iran would immediately target Israel. In response, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran will not surrender its rights, while military officials threatened to open new fronts with advanced weapons if attacked. US Vice President Jerry Vance confirmed progress in talks but noted that no deal is certain.

Updated: 1:11 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

President Trump revealed the strike was called off just an hour before launch with planes loaded and ready. In response, Iranian officials warned they would open new fronts and respond forcefully to any attack to defend the country’s sovereignty. Qatar’s foreign ministry has also confirmed it is making sincere diplomatic efforts to mediate between the parties.

Updated: 12:10 AM PKT — May 20, 2026

President Trump revealed a strike was halted just one hour before its planned execution, adding that time for a peaceful resolution is limited. In response, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister stated that surrender is not an option for Tehran. The official affirmed that Iran is fully prepared to counter any aggression.

Updated: 11:44 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

President Trump later stated he was only an hour away from authorizing the previous attack and claimed Iranian leaders are “begging for a deal.” In response, Iran’s military warned any strike would be met with a decisive and overwhelming response, potentially opening new fronts with new weaponry. Iranian officials added that any ceasefire would require the lifting of economic sanctions and compensation for damages.

Updated: 11:35 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

WASHINGTON/DUBAI – US President Donald Trump has postponed a planned military strike against Iran after leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates urged him to allow time for diplomatic negotiations, a move his vice president said has led to “significant progress.”

In a White House press briefing, Vice President J.D. Vance confirmed the diplomatic push, stating that while the US could resume its military campaign, “President Trump does not want that.” Vance said the president had instructed officials to negotiate in good faith. “We have an opportunity to reset US-Iran relations,” he said, adding he believes Iran wants a deal, though nothing is certain until it is signed. Both Trump and Vance stressed that any agreement must prevent Tehran from obtaining atomic weapons. “We are not going to make any deal that allows Iranians to acquire nuclear weapons,” Vance stated.

According to Trump, Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan had asked him to “hold off,” informing him that “serious negotiations are now taking place.” Pakistan has been serving as a key intermediary, conveying a new 14-point peace proposal from Tehran to Washington. An Iranian source indicated the proposal focuses on ending the conflict, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, and lifting maritime sanctions, while deferring contentious issues like uranium enrichment to later talks. However, a Pakistani source noted progress was difficult as both sides “keep changing their goalposts.”

Despite the diplomatic opening, the threat of conflict remains. Trump said he has instructed Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine to “be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment’s notice” if a deal is not reached. Vance echoed this, confirming the US military is “fully prepared and on high alert.” The delicate situation follows a fragile six-week ceasefire after US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, with tensions still high amid Iran-linked drone attacks on Gulf countries hosting American forces.

Updated: 11:19 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

The US president revealed he was only one hour from launching the attack before it was halted, warning Iran could still face a “big jolt.” In a defiant response, Iranian military commanders stated their forces are prepared for any aggression and would deliver a strong and decisive response.

Updated: 10:48 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

The aborted US strike was reportedly called off just one hour before launch with warships loaded and ready. While Trump claimed Iran was “begging” to negotiate, Iranian military commanders responded defiantly, stating they are fully prepared for any aggression and would make the US regret an attack. They asserted they cannot be defeated and are ready to open new fronts with new weapons.

Updated: 10:25 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

The US president revealed the planned military strike was just hours from launch before he cancelled the operation at the last minute. In a direct warning, Iran’s military leadership stated any American aggression would be met with a decisive and powerful response, vowing to use new weaponry.

Updated: 9:01 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

In Tehran, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded by asserting that dialogue does not equate to surrendering weapons and that Iran will protect its national interests. Iran’s formal demands for an agreement include the lifting of all sanctions, an end to the financial blockade, and the complete withdrawal of US forces from the region.

Updated: 8:25 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

In response, Iranian military commanders and officials warned that any attack would be met with a swift and decisive response. Tehran also outlined its demands for a potential deal, which include the lifting of sanctions and the withdrawal of US forces from the region.

Updated: 8:01 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

The planned attack was reportedly called off at the last minute, with Trump stating it would be better to secure a deal without bombing. In response, Iranian officials reiterated they are prepared for a “resounding response” if attacked. Tehran’s proposals to Washington now reportedly include a demand for the withdrawal of US forces from the region.

Updated: 7:20 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

The planned US strike was reportedly called off at the last minute. In response, Iranian officials have struck a defiant tone, with military spokespersons stating the country cannot be besieged or defeated. The officials added that Iran is prepared for any scenario.

Updated: 6:44 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

Responding to the developments, Iranian officials stated they are ready for a decisive and powerful response to any attack. They further declared they will not surrender their rights under pressure and are demanding the lifting of sanctions as part of any potential agreement.

Updated: 5:55 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

As negotiations proceed, Iran has warned the United States and its allies against making any “strategic mistake.” It was also noted that former US President Trump claimed to have called off a separate, last-minute military strike against Iran during his previous tenure.

Updated: 5:31 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

As diplomatic efforts continue, Tehran has issued a stern warning. Iranian officials have declared the country is ready for a decisive response in the event of any US military action.

Updated: 4:44 PM PKT — May 19, 2026

In response, Tehran has warned Washington against any miscalculation, vowing that any aggression would be met with a decisive and stronger response. Separately, Iranian air defense systems were reportedly activated over Kish Island in response to an alleged enemy drone.