Iran latest: US plans to attack Iran on Tuesday called off, Trump says

Signs of strain in the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran seemed to arise over the weekend, ranging from a new threat by President Donald Trump on Sunday to Iranian state TV presenters going on-air armed.

In a statement early Monday afternoon, President Donald Trump revealed the United States had planned an attack on Iran on the following day, but has since halted the operation because of ongoing negotiations. 

The Associated Press also reported that the U.S. may be coordinating with Israel for further attacks, citing information from two people familiar with the matter, one of whom is an Israeli officer. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his Cabinet that "our eyes are open" in terms of Iran and "we are prepared for any scenario."

STRAIT OF HORMUZ, IRAN - MAY 16: An Iranian flag flutters in the wind as ships remain anchored on May 16, 2026 in the Strait of Hormuz near Larak Island, Iran. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)

In a social media post early Sunday afternoon, Trump warned Iranian leaders that "the clock is ticking" and told them that they needed to act quickly or "there won’t be anything left of them."

In Iran, TV presenters went live on-air brandishing firearms. One of them claimed he was trained by a masked member of the country’s Revolutionary Guard and mimed shooting at a UAE flag. While on a different channel, the presenter had a weapon she said was sent to her, and declared, "From this platform I declare that I am ready to sacrifice my life for this country."

Here's the latest:

Iran president urges leaders to ‘face reality’

9:55 a.m. ET: A planned attack on Iran by the United States will not go forward because "serious negotiations" are underway, President Donald Trump announced in a social media post.

Trump's statement was the first public indication that the United States had planned to resume hostilities, although the Associated Press reported Sunday that the U.S. may be coordinating with Israel for further attacks, citing information from two people familiar with the matter.

In addition to citing the ongoing peace talks, Trump noted the decision to delay the attack came at the request of the leaders of several Middle Eastern nations, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Trump went on to reiterate one of the United States' key demands in any deal: that Iran abandon its nuclear weapons program.

While the hostilities are delayed, Trump warned that he has told his national defense team "to be prepared to go forward with a full, large scale assault of Iran, on a moment's notice, in the event an acceptable deal is not reached."

Iran president urges leaders to ‘face reality’

9:55 a.m. ET: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian held a televised meeting of the Government Information Council. 

In the meeting, President Pezeshkian admitted that Iran has "suffered harm" from sustained attacks from the U.S. and Israel. He also relayed a dire request to his counterparts. 

Iran's leaders "should avoid any tone or voices that create division, but we must also face reality. It is not the case that we have not suffered harm," Pezeshkian said.

Comments were made while he vowed Iran would not bow to pressure, nor sacrifice the "country's dignity and hor for comfort and convenience."

Iran to present new 14-point plan

7:24 a.m. ET: Tehran has sent a new 14-point plan to Pakistan for mediators to present to the U.S. on Monday. 

According to Iranian state news agency, a source says the proposal focuses on ending the war and is translated to "confidence-building measures by the American side."

The report does not mention any concessions about Iran's nuclear program, which remains one of the demands by President Trump. 

Over 80 vessels rerouted amid U.S. blockade

6:35 a.m. ET: As of Sunday, the United States blockade in the Arabian Sea has turned around 81 commercial vessels. Another four ships were disabled by U.S. forces to ensure compliance, according to U.S. Central Command.