politics
January 17, 2026
‘I convinced myself’ not to bomb Iran
Media reports have claimed the Arab states and Israel persuaded the US president to call off airstrikes targeting Iran
TL;DR
- President Trump claims he alone decided against bombing Iran.
- The cancellation of planned executions of Iranian demonstrators influenced Trump's decision.
- Reports suggested Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Israel urged Trump not to attack Iran.
- US imposed additional sanctions on Iranian security officials and entities.
- The US has sent an aircraft carrier to the Middle East.
- Russia is working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.