Trump Cancels Weekend Break, Returns to White House for Critical Decisions on Iran Conflict

This brief news summary includes an editorial review. US President Donald Trump has canceled his weekend break and returned to the White House amid signs that preparations for a military strike against Iran might be underway. Iran’s military has declared it is fully prepared to strongly respond to any reckless enemy actions, while several Gulf countries have urged diplomatic solutions instead of war. The Trump administration has largely excluded Israel from talks with Iran, with Iran indicating its readiness to agree to terms consistent with the 2015 nuclear deal.

May 23, Kathmandu: US President Donald Trump canceled his weekend plans for golf and returned to the White House. This development has intensified speculation over rising military tensions and a potential attack between the US and Iran. The US military and intelligence agencies have also called off ‘Memorial Day weekend’ leave. According to a CBS News report, the Trump administration may be planning a new military strike against Iran and has instructed officials to remain alert, although no final decision has yet been made.

Meanwhile, the Iranian military has heightened vigilance. According to Iran’s official news agency Tasnim, Iran’s armed forces are fully prepared to deliver a harsh response to any foolish enemy move. Gulf countries have called for diplomatic solutions rather than conflict. Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Qatar have instructed Trump not to attack Iran and to pursue diplomatic measures.

As part of mediation efforts to end the conflict and resolve disputes, a Qatari delegation and Pakistan’s Army Chief, Asim Munir, visited Tehran on Friday. Additionally, France has submitted a proposal to the UN Security Council to deploy an international maritime security mission in the Strait of Hormuz. The European Union (EU) is preparing new sanctions targeting Iranian officials and organizations accused of attempting to close the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s Position: The Iranian navy claims that in the past 24 hours it has safely escorted 25 ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Typically, more than 100 ships pass daily through this route.

Israel’s Exclusion from Trump-Iran Talks: According to The New York Times, the Trump administration has almost excluded Israel from ceasefire and nuclear agreement negotiations with Iran. Israeli officials are reportedly unable to receive direct information from Washington and must rely on other regional leaders or intelligence agencies. This is seen as a political setback for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, once considered one of Trump’s closest allies. The Trump government is currently considering a deal that would limit Iran’s nuclear activity only for a limited time, resembling terms of the 2015 agreement. Israel’s main concerns involve Iran’s ballistic missile program being excluded from talks and the potential for Iran to gain significant funds through eased economic sanctions, which could strengthen groups like Hezbollah.

Iran Ready for Nuclear Deal with Conditions: According to Tehran University Professor Fouad Izadi, Iran is prepared to negotiate a nuclear agreement but with important conditions. Iran could maintain uranium enrichment limits at 3.67 percent, consistent with the 2015 deal, which is insufficient for weaponization. Reza Talaei-Nik, spokesman for Iran’s Ministry of Defense, warned that if the US does not respect the Iranian people’s demands and rights, Trump will face more serious consequences.

US-Europe Differences in NATO: The recent NATO foreign ministers meeting in Sweden discussed the Strait of Hormuz and Iran. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte accused Iran of attempting to pressure the global economy by closing the strait. However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed dissatisfaction that only a few European nations have openly supported the Trump administration’s actions.

(With contributions from news agencies)