Trump suddenly orders suspension of attack on Iran… "Prepare for massive strike if unacceptable"

¬ Trump calls the shooting at San Diego Islamic Center a shocking incident

¬ U.S. releases new license text for transactions involving already-loaded Russian oil

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¬ Responding to requests from Middle East allies… firm rejection of Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal, calling it "disappointing, no concessions"

On the 19th local time, U.S. President Donald Trump suddenly announced a suspension of the previously announced military attack on Iran. In the short term, both sides will maintain a ceasefire and attempt to reach an agreement; however, Trump expressed strong dissatisfaction with Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal, leaving room for the possibility of full-scale war.

On the 18th, Trump posted on his self-created social media platform, Truth Social: "In response to requests from His Highness Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani of Qatar, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia, and President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), I have suspended the U.S. military plan to launch attacks against the Islamic Republic of Iran, originally scheduled to begin tomorrow." He emphasized: "These great leaders and allied nations believe serious negotiations are underway, which could lead to an agreement acceptable to the United States, the Middle East, and all other countries—most importantly, one that prohibits Iran from possessing nuclear weapons."

He stated: "Out of respect for the aforementioned leaders, I have instructed Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, and the U.S. military not to carry out the planned attack on Iran on the 19th. However, I also require them to remain prepared to launch a large-scale, full-scale attack immediately should we fail to reach an acceptable agreement."

In parallel, Iran, through close contacts with its negotiating team, delivered a new 14-point ceasefire proposal to the U.S. via mediation by Pakistan. According to Tasnim News Agency, this new proposal focuses on achieving peace and measures the U.S. should take to build mutual trust.

However, the White House stated it finds Iran’s latest ceasefire proposal insufficient in substance and inadequate for reaching an agreement. On the same day, Axios cited U.S. government officials reporting that Iran’s counter-proposal showed only formal progress compared to earlier versions. Although it added statements opposing nuclear weapon development, it lacked core commitments—specifically, concrete pledges to halt uranium enrichment or remove existing high-enriched uranium (HEU) stockpiles. The official stressed: "The U.S. will not lift sanctions without corresponding actions from Iran," warning: "We are pressuring Iran to adopt the right posture. If they do not shift their stance, negotiation will have to proceed through artillery."

Trump also made no secret of his disappointment toward Iran’s new ceasefire proposal during an interview with The New York Post. He declared unequivocally: "No concessions will be accepted" toward Iran, and issued a warning: "Iran will soon find out what will happen." Regarding his earlier statement on the 15th that Iran's nuclear program "should best be paused for 20 years," he said: "Now, under no circumstances will any conditions be accepted."

He asserted that Iran fully understands the U.S.'s superior striking capability and maintained: "They know what is coming—they may want a deal more than ever before." On the 19th, Trump will convene a top-level security meeting in the White House Situation Room to discuss whether to resume attacks on Iran and other follow-up responses.

Source: Chosun Ilbo

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U.S. President Trump described the shooting incident at the San Diego Islamic Center as "shocking."

Trump said during an event at the White House: "A shocking situation."

San Diego police had previously reported responding to a shooting incident in the Islamic Center area. Law enforcement later announced that three people were killed in the shooting.

Source: sputniknews

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The U.S. Department of the Treasury released new license text for trading already-loaded Russian oil on May 18.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously confirmed that the U.S. would extend the maritime supply license for Russian oil by 30 days. The previous U.S. license related to Russian oil supplies expired on Saturday, May 16.

The license text published on the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) website of the U.S. Department of the Treasury states: "All transactions involving crude oil or petroleum products originating from Russia, typically accompanied and necessary for sale, transport, or unloading, loaded onto any vessel—including vessels blocked under the above-mentioned law—before 00:01 Eastern Daylight Time on April 17, 2026 (12:01 Beijing Time), are permitted, until 00:01 Eastern Daylight Time on June 17, 2026."

Source: sputniknews

Original: toutiao.com/article/1865592527492103/

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