Gulf states and Israel persuade US to hold off on Iran strikes

Several Middle Eastern nations have advised the US to refrain from launching military strikes on Iran, AP reported, citing an anonymous Arab diplomat.

The diplomat stated that senior officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar had raised urgent concerns within the last 48 hours, warning that such action could further destabilize the volatile region and harm the global economy.

Such diplomatic efforts reportedly succeeded in persuading US President Donald Trump at the last minute. The Telegraph newspaper in the UK reported that Trump was dissuaded from ordering strikes on Iran Wednesday night following appeals from Gulf states and Israel.

Despite this, the administration publicly maintained a stance of military readiness. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Thursday that "all options remain on the table" for the president in dealing with Iran.

In a related development on Friday, Trump told reporters while leaving the White House that he wished to thank the Iranian government.

"Iran canceled the hanging of over 800 people," he said, adding that he "greatly respected" the decision.