US President Donald Trump has said that the United States wants to end the ongoing conflict with Iran as soon as possible, however, Washington will not allow Tehran to acquire nuclear weapons. On the other hand, the Iranian military has warned that if the US attacks again, Iran will respond by opening multiple new fronts. Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has also confirmed that the armed drones that fell near the Barakah nuclear power plant came from Iraqi territory.
Speaking at the annual "Congress Picnic" event at the White House, President Trump said that a decision to launch a major attack on Iran was halted at the last minute to keep the door open for a possible agreement between the two countries. He told reporters that he was just "one hour away" from ordering another attack on Iran, but the decision was later postponed.
It is clear that after the war that started on February 28 between the US and Israel, a ceasefire has been in place since April 8, about 40 days later. Since then, indirect diplomatic contacts have been ongoing between the two countries, but differences remain on several issues, including the nuclear program.
Trump said in his typical tough tone that when a country faces severe pressure, it is forced to come to the negotiating table. He said he hopes there will be no need for another war, but if necessary, the US can launch another major attack.
In response to this statement, Iranian military spokesman Mohammad Akrami Nia said that Iran considers the ceasefire period as part of the war and has strengthened its defense capabilities during this time. He warned that if US attacks resume, Iran will take robust retaliatory action.
Meanwhile, President Trump gave Iran an ultimatum of a few days to agree to a deal, saying that a decision should be made by Friday, Saturday, Sunday, or the beginning of next week. He revealed that a possible new attack on Iran was postponed at the request of Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, as the ongoing tension in the region is becoming a burden on the global economy.
According to Trump, the global energy market has been affected by Iran's influence in the Strait of Hormuz, and the increase in oil prices has also put pressure on the American people. On the other hand, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said on social media platform 'X' that the US president is presenting threats as opportunities for peace.
Meanwhile, Qatar has called for more time for diplomatic contacts between the US and Iran. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Al-Ansari announced support for Pakistan's mediation and diplomatic efforts during a briefing in Doha. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei also confirmed that Pakistan has conveyed Iran's stance to the US.
According to Iranian media reports, the US has proposed five points for negotiations, including limiting Iran to just one nuclear facility, transferring enriched uranium to the US, and abandoning claims for frozen assets or war reparations. However, according to the Iranian news agency "Tasnim", the proposed draft also includes a suggestion for temporary easing of sanctions on Iranian oil.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense has announced that the three armed drones sent to the Barakah nuclear power plant on May 17, 2026, came from Iraq. According to Emirati authorities, this conclusion was reached after technical surveillance and investigation, while a senior official hinted that Iran's possible role in the operation cannot be ruled out.
At the same time, the Iranian Revolutionary Guards have warned that international fiber-optic cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz may be subject to the Iranian licensing system in the future. Additionally, the Revolutionary Guards claimed to have taken action against armed groups affiliated with the US and Israel in the Kurdistan province of western Iran, near the Iraqi border. According to Iranian forces, the groups that entered from northern Iraq were trying to smuggle US weapons and ammunition into Iran, which was thwarted.
