Arab Allies Press Trump to Delay Iran Strikes Amid Protests

Several Arab nations have asked President Donald Trump to put off any military strikes on Iran. These countries worry that action now could lead to economic trouble and a bigger fight in the region. The calls come as Iran cracks down hard on protests that have killed thousands.

Background

Iran has faced large protests for over a week. People there are angry at the government and its leaders. Authorities cut off internet access and sent forces to stop the unrest. Activists say at least 2,637 people have died in the crackdown. The government has also planned executions, but some reports say they paused a few, like for a shopkeeper named Erfan Soltani.

Trump first spoke out strongly against Iran. He said help was coming for protesters and told them to take over key parts of the country. Then, in a quick change, he said Iran had stopped the killings and executions based on information from sources inside the country. He shared a news headline on social media about one spared execution and called it good news. The White House said Iran halted 800 planned executions.

This back-and-forth has allies watching closely. Top officials from Egypt, Oman, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar talked to the US in the last two days. They want Trump to wait before striking. They also told Iranian leaders to end the violence fast.

Key Details

The diplomats from these Arab countries spoke to US officials about the risks. They said a strike could shake oil markets and make the region even less stable. Oil prices dropped on Thursday as markets picked up on Trump's softer tone.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said all options are still open. She noted that only Trump and a small group of advisors know his full plans. He is keeping a close eye on what happens inside Iran.

US Military Concerns

US advisors told Trump that a big strike might not end Iran's government. It could start a wider war instead. Right now, there are no US aircraft carriers in the Middle East. The USS Gerald R. Ford is off helping with drug fights near Venezuela. That leaves fewer planes and ships ready for action. Bringing in more forces would take about a week.

Smaller strikes might lift spirits for protesters, but they would not stop the crackdown. Trump has asked to move some military assets into place just in case. Last June, he surprised everyone by sending B-2 bombers to hit Iranian nuclear sites after Israel acted.

On Thursday, the US added new sanctions on Iran. They target the secretary of Iran's Supreme Council for National Security. Officials say he called for violence against protesters early on.

Iran is pushing back hard. A former IRGC commander, Mohsen Rezaee, warned of a full war like the 'Sacred Defence' days. He said no US bases in countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Turkey, or Iraq would be safe. Al Udeid air base in Qatar could be a main target, just like in past fights.

US Ambassador to the UN Mike Waltz spoke at a Security Council meeting. He said Trump acts, unlike endless UN talk. All options stay on the table to stop the killing.

“President Trump is a man of action, not endless talk like we see at the United Nations. He has made it clear all options are on the table to stop the slaughter.” – Ambassador Mike Waltz

Senator Lindsey Graham supports a larger strike. He hopes Iran's leaders have few days left.

What This Means

A US strike on Iran would not stay small. Iran could hit back at US bases and allies across the region. Gulf states fear chaos that spreads fast. Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman made frantic calls to pull the US back. They say an attack would have big effects on everyone.

Trump often keeps his plans unclear on purpose. This makes it hard for others to guess his next move. Markets react to his words, with oil prices moving based on his signals.

Protests in Iran are dying down as the government tightens control. But anger remains high. Families of prisoners worry about what comes next, even if some executions pause.

The US has told Iran that more killings mean serious results. Allies keep pressing both sides to calm down. For now, talks and warnings have slowed things. But the area stays tense. Trump watches the ground in Iran before picking a path.

New sanctions add pressure without bombs. They aim to hurt leaders who order the crackdown. Iran holds firm, naming US targets if strikes come.

This standoff tests old friendships. Arab nations balance ties with the US and fear of Iran next door. They want peace but brace for trouble. Trump must weigh advice from allies, his team, and what protesters need. The next days will show if words turn to action or stay as threats.