U.S. President Donald Trump announced today that he received a request from Gulf leaders to postpone the military strike against Iran.
Trump wrote: «I received a request from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and the President of the UAE Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed to postpone the planned U.S. military strike against Iran, which was scheduled to be carried out tomorrow.»
Serious Negotiations
Trump clarified that «serious negotiations are currently underway, and the Gulf leaders see the possibility of reaching an agreement acceptable to the United States, the countries of the Middle East, and the world,» stressing, «The upcoming agreement will fundamentally include preventing Iran from possessing a nuclear weapon.»
Trump added, «Out of respect for the aforementioned leaders, I have issued instructions to U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Daniel Caine, and the U.S. Armed Forces not to carry out the scheduled strike on Iran tomorrow,» explaining that U.S. forces have received orders to remain on standby to execute a «large-scale and major strike» against Iran at any moment, if an agreement described as «acceptable» is not reached.
It was reported that a source stated launching another U.S. attack on Iran is not a matter of possibility but a matter of time, noting that Israel has completed preparations for another round of attacks expected to last several days.
The source indicated that the planned strike would differ from previous ones and would target sites that Trump has so far avoided.
Activation of Defenses in Iran
In response, Iran’s Mehr news agency reported that Tehran activated air defenses on Qeshm Island near the Strait of Hormuz, noting that the reason is unknown.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: «Dialogue does not mean surrender, and we enter talks with dignity and strength while preserving the rights of our people,» adding, «We will not retreat in any way from the legal rights of our people and our country, and we will remain in the protection of Iran’s interests until the very last breath.»
Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, belongs to Iran and has a history dating back to the pre-Islamic era, serving as a strategic trading post for centuries due to its location along maritime routes. It features unique geological formations like the Hara mangrove forests and the Salt Dome, and its culture reflects a blend of Persian, Arab, and African influences. Today, it is a free trade zone and a popular destination for ecotourism, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich heritage and natural wonders.
Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, strategically vital waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. Historically, it has been a crucial chokepoint for global oil and gas shipments, with its control contested by regional powers for centuries. Today, about 20% of the world’s petroleum passes through this strait, making it a frequent flashpoint for geopolitical tensions.
Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, belongs to Iran and has a history dating back to ancient maritime trade routes, including the era of the Portuguese occupation in the 16th and 17th centuries. Known for its unique geological features like the Hara mangrove forests and the Valley of Stars, it is a UNESCO Global Geopark. Today, it serves as a free-trade zone and a popular destination for eco-tourism, blending cultural heritage with natural wonders.
Strait
Qeshm Island
Qeshm Island, the largest island in the Persian Gulf, is located off the southern coast of Iran and has a history dating back thousands of years as a key trading hub along maritime routes. It was historically known for its strategic importance, pearl fishing, and influence from various empires, including the Portuguese who occupied it in the 16th century. Today, Qeshm is a UNESCO Global Geopark, famous for its unique geological formations, diverse wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Strait of Hormuz
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, strategically vital as a passage for about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. Its history is marked by centuries of maritime trade and geopolitical conflict, with control contested by empires from the Portuguese in the 16th century to modern-day Iran and Oman. Today, it remains a critical chokepoint for global energy security and a frequent site of international tensions.
Persian Gulf
The Persian Gulf is a historically significant body of water in Western Asia, bordered by Iran and the Arabian Peninsula, which has been a vital trade and cultural crossroads for millennia. Ancient civilizations like the Sumerians and later the Persian Empire utilized its waters for commerce and military power, connecting the East and West through maritime routes. Today, it remains crucial for global energy supplies, housing some of the world’s largest oil and natural gas reserves.
Gulf of Oman
The Gulf of Oman is a strategic body of water connecting the Arabian Sea to the Strait of Hormuz, bordered by Iran, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates. Historically, it has been a vital maritime route for trade and cultural exchange, linking the Indian Ocean with the Persian Gulf for centuries. Its importance continues today as a key passage for global oil shipments and international shipping lanes.
Arabian Sea
The Arabian Sea is a region of the northern Indian Ocean bordered by the Arabian Peninsula, India, and the Horn of Africa. Historically, it has been a vital maritime trade route for centuries, connecting civilizations like the Indus Valley, Mesopotamia, and later the Roman and Islamic empires through the spice and silk trades. Its ports, such as Muscat and Mumbai, have long served as hubs for cultural exchange and commerce.
Hara mangrove forests
The Hara mangrove forests, located in the Hormozgan Province of southern Iran along the Persian Gulf, are one of the largest and most significant mangrove ecosystems in the region. These forests, dominated by the Avicennia marina species, have existed for centuries and serve as a critical habitat for migratory birds, marine life, and local fisheries. Historically, the area has been valued for its ecological importance and is now protected as part of the Hara Biosphere Reserve, recognized by UNESCO for its biodiversity and conservation efforts.
Valley of Stars
The Valley of Stars, located in the Negev Desert of Israel, is a stunning geological formation known for its unique, star-shaped limestone and chalk rocks that have been sculpted by erosion over millions of years. The site holds historical significance as it lies along ancient trade routes and contains remnants of human activity, including Nabatean caravanserais and Byzantine-era settlements. Today, it is a popular hiking destination, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s natural beauty and rich cultural past.
