Former President Donald Trump stated on May 19, 2026, that he was “an hour away” from authorizing a military strike against Iran but decided against launching the attack at the request of U.S. Persian Gulf allies. Trump also described the war as “very popular” and expressed frustration over not having enough time to explain its justification.
Recent Developments in U.S.-Iran Conflict
Trump’s revelation comes amid heightened tensions after Monday’s aborted attack order. Following this, Iran announced it had submitted another revised set of terms for a potential peace deal, claiming that the United States, not Iran, had requested a ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israel conducted airstrikes across southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions despite an existing U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with the Iran-backed militant group. Lebanese officials reported that the war involving Israel and Hezbollah has resulted in over 3,000 deaths.
U.S. Sanctions and Financial Actions Against Iran
On the same day, the U.S. imposed sanctions targeting Iranian shipping and financial networks linked to the regime’s military and proxies across the Middle East. The sanctions include 19 vessels and several currency exchange houses, such as the Amin Exchange, which the U.S. Treasury described as a major conduit for laundering money for sanctioned Iranian banks and state-owned enterprises through front companies in the UAE, Turkey, China, and Hong Kong.
The U.S. Treasury emphasized readiness to extend sanctions to foreign companies and financial institutions that facilitate illicit Iranian commerce, including those connected to some Chinese oil refineries.
Uncertainty Over Iran Peace Negotiations
Vice President JD Vance expressed uncertainty about the likelihood of reaching a negotiated settlement with Iran, stating that even the Iranians may be unclear about their own goals. He emphasized that any confidence in a deal would require an actual signing of an agreement.
Military and Humanitarian Concerns
Separately, U.S. Central Command is still investigating the bombing of a school early in the war that killed over 165 people. The school was reportedly located on a missile site operated by Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard. Admiral Brad Cooper, Central Command’s head, committed to transparency after completing the investigation, though some lawmakers expressed skepticism about the official account.
Additionally, survivors of a deadly March 1 missile attack on a Kuwaiti military base criticized the Pentagon for insufficient medical support that might have saved lives. The attack, attributed to Iran, killed six U.S. service members and wounded 20, marking the deadliest strike on American troops since the conflict began.
Regional Alliances and Responses
Persian Gulf states exhibit varying responses to the conflict. The United Arab Emirates has taken a firm stance condemning Iranian attacks and endorsing defensive responses. In contrast, Oman maintains its traditional role as a mediator between Tehran and Western powers, working with Iran on mechanisms to monitor traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia condemns Iranian missile strikes but pursues diplomatic efforts to de-escalate, while Qatar supports ceasefire and mediation initiatives.
Why it matters
Trump’s admission of nearly ordering a strike against Iran highlights the narrow margins for potential escalation in the region. The ongoing conflict involves complex regional alliances and affects global energy security given the importance of the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. sanctions targeting Iran’s financial networks aim to curtail its military capabilities and proxy support. Meanwhile, uncertain diplomatic progress and military clashes underscore the fragile status of any ceasefire and prospects for peace.
Sources
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