Trump says he's called off plans for a "scheduled attack of Iran"
President Trump said he received a request from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Updated on: May 18, 2026 / 3:53 PM EDT / CBS News
Washington — President Trump said Monday that he's called off a U.S. attack on Iran that had been "scheduled" for Tuesday, after the United States' Gulf partners requested it to allow for continued negotiations.
"I have been asked by the Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, and the President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, to hold off on our planned Military attack of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which was scheduled for tomorrow, in that serious negotiations are now taking place, and that, in their opinion, as Great Leaders and Allies, a Deal will be made, which will be very acceptable to the United States of America, as well as all Countries in the Middle East, and beyond," Mr. Trump wrote.
"This Deal will include, importantly, NO NUCLEAR WEAPONS FOR IRAN!" he continued in the post. "Based on my respect for the above mentioned Leaders, I have instructed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, The Chairman of The Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Daniel Caine, and The United States Military, that we will NOT be doing the scheduled attack of Iran tomorrow, but have further instructed them to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment's notice, in the event that an acceptable Deal is not reached. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Mr. Trump also extended his original April 7 ceasefire indefinitely at the request of Pakistan's leaders.