Trump Gives Iran 2-3 Days for Deal as Gulf Leaders Press to Avert Strikes
Updated
Updated · CNN · May 19
Trump Gives Iran 2-3 Days for Deal as Gulf Leaders Press to Avert Strikes
7 articles · Updated · CNN · May 19
Trump said Iran has only “two or three days” — possibly until early next week — to present an acceptable deal after he paused planned US strikes.
Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE urged Washington to give diplomacy more time, warning renewed bombing could trigger Iranian retaliation and expose Gulf energy infrastructure.
US officials and sources said battle plans for a renewed multi-phase air campaign are complete and could be launched quickly, even though Trump remains reluctant to deepen an unpopular war.
The diplomatic opening is narrow: Iran has not publicly retreated on uranium enrichment or its near-weapons-grade stockpile, and Vice President JD Vance said Tehran’s negotiating position remains unclear.
Any new strikes could face added operational and political friction, with some Gulf states weighing tighter limits on US base access and the administration considering a renamed operation that could affect the War Powers clock.
Iran's peace plan excludes its nuclear ambitions. Can a real deal be reached if the core issue is off the table?
As US missile stockpiles run low, is China's support for Iran creating an unwinnable conflict for Washington?
Iran now controls the world's oil chokepoint. Who will blink first in this high-stakes economic showdown?
Gulf Crisis 2026: Trump’s Last-Minute Strike Pause, US-Iran Negotiations, and the Battle for Regional Stability
Overview
On May 19, 2026, President Donald Trump announced a pause on a planned US military strike against Iran, responding to urgent requests from key Gulf allies like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, who reported progress in negotiations with Iran. Trump expressed optimism about diplomacy, calling the pause a 'very positive development' and showing hope for a peaceful resolution. However, he made clear that the US military remains fully prepared if talks fail. This decision came amid rising regional tensions, including recent drone attacks, highlighting the fragile but critical nature of the ongoing negotiations.